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Help! My positive battery cable won't clamp down.

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Old 11-29-2012, 07:55 PM
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Kale
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Default Help! My positive battery cable won't clamp down.

04.

This cable has been off THREE TIMES and the nut is already stuck. I can't get it to clamp onto the battery.
Is there a way I can fix this? I don['t have the time or energy to replace it. And the cables are too short to put an aftermarket block on.
Old 11-30-2012, 02:53 AM
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Kale
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So, I cut it all out. My tsunami positive battery terminal won't fit all the way down on the battery. So it's sitting up a quarter inch off the top of the battery. It's tight, though. Will this be a problem?
Old 11-30-2012, 04:32 AM
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Bill Curlee
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The clamp nut on the terminal is a special beveled nut. If someone lost the OEM nut and replaced it with a standard nut,, it will not clamp. compare the nut on the one that will clamp down and the one that wont.



BC
Old 11-30-2012, 07:36 AM
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In my opinion, you made a big mistake by cutting off the OEM terminal end. Be sure to seal any exposed bare wire with RTV sealant, or corrosion will quickly enter the connection.

Replacement clamp bolts and nuts for battery terminal ends are available at most auto parts stores.
Old 11-30-2012, 08:26 AM
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"I don't have the time or energy to replace it." Not good. Gotta take care of your car if you want it to perform/behave properly. Battery cables aren't expensive items. I'd think you need to take time to do it. Heaven knows that as much as I've spent to obtain my all time favorite car, I'm going to do what it takes to keep it working correctly. A little time isn't much of an investement. We're here to help....
Old 11-30-2012, 10:08 AM
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Kale
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This is how my positive terminal replacement fits. This is as low as it goes because the post flares out.
Is this a problem?
Old 11-30-2012, 10:28 AM
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That's plenty, but it does appear you have it on upside down. There's a taper to it, doesn't look like you've got it right. I could be mistaken.

And go to the store and get the felt washers that stop corrosion. Can't live without them on top mount terminals.
Old 11-30-2012, 10:59 AM
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Kale
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Thanks. The terminal is the same both directions in any case.
Old 11-30-2012, 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Kale
Thanks. The terminal is the same both directions in any case.
But the post is not.

It's tapered.

I think you have to look closer. Try sticking it on 180 out, if it won't go on proper, then you have it right. If it falls on, well, then it was wrong.

You also might have stretched or bent the terminal, cause it should not be straight. It would be if you crushed it around the small end.
Old 11-30-2012, 11:26 AM
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Kale
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Thanks.
Terminal is brand new aftermarket (thick nickel-plated metal)
Tried rotating it all around and it only goes on that far. I guess I'm in good shape then.

If I hadn't accidentally shattered my aftermarket power block behind hte battery I'd be good to go.. and could go work on my broken DD car lol.

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