battery help

[curtiscapk]

this is on my pontoon battery (posting on my toon forum as well) but wanted you all's input. My NEGATIVE terminal is getting hot. Actually had a burn on my nut last weekend. It wasn't supper tight hoping that was the reason. everything ran fine just seemed odd. Any thoughts?

[flybouy]

That looks like a lot of heat. Remove the cables and clean up or replace those ring terminals and replace the nut. A loose connection will cause arcing which will leave a carbon deposit. The carbon deposit creates resistance which increases the amperage and leads to heat. It's a vicious cycle which ends with melted wires and can create a fire.

[Canonman]

Nothing worse than a "burn on your nut"
Marshall is 100% correct. A loose electrical connection creates heat. Those wires got hot enough to melt the insulation. Trim back beyond the damaged portion and add new connectors. Be sure your nut is TIGHT!

[hxckidd]

i would be concerned with that. Any shorts in the boat? Is it hot to the touch? did it go away after you tightened it? Doesnt look like a sealed battery, is the water low?

[curtiscapk]

Originally Posted by hxckidd

i would be concerned with that.
Any shorts in the boat? No
Is it hot to the touch? yes

did it go away after you tightened it?I think so
Doesnt look like a sealed battery, is the water low? checked the water it is not low

thanks I'll make sure it's cranked tight next time out. Nothing worse than a burnt nut!

[JRTJH]

Blowing your photo up as large as I can get it and remain clear, it may be the battery terminal that's causing the heating issue. If you look, the plastic around the terminal base, under the connectors looks like it has also "heated up and been damaged". You might want to take the wiring off the terminal and clean it up as best you can with alcohol/409, etc to remove all the grease and dirt and do a really good inspection of the terminal and battery case.

It may not be anything to worry about, but worth checking.