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[angst]

Since Jcart's corrosion went away when he changed batterys that seems to suggest that the theory of gas coming up through the posts is pretty solid. I suppose there can still be other problems internally in the battery that are causing it though.
Ill try the felt pads right away.
I've already done the baking soda thing. Cola would just be a temporary fix to bubble away the debris and would leave the surface pH too acidic I think.
No success with dialectic grease. Ive never had a straight answer on if it is a conductor or an insulator but it sure seems to act like an insulator. When it gets in between the strands of wire it builds up the corrosion even faster.

Ive always had my doubts about the batteries themselves. They always test fine at the parts store but I have never ever had reliable starting under 60f degrees. After a difficult starting session I can usually start it when boosting off of another car.
I bought a desulfator today. Im looking forward to seeing if that changes the game but it will be a couple weeks until I know if it does any good.

Does anyone have any thoughts on "tinning" the ends of the wires with solder? It seems like at least in principal it would increase the contact between the individual strands and increase the amount of amps it can deliver and also reduce the corrosion. Any potential downside of doing this?