Broken battery clamp, switch to ring style connectors?

[jmo]

Hey guys,

So when I pulled my battery on my new to me 2006 196 I discovered that the negative battery clamp was broken. I was able to pull it off without loosening it, which concerns me, though it hasn't been a problem this Fall since I got it (I knew I should have inspected the battery before driving off with it). Since I have to replace it, does it make sense to switch to ring style connectors? The ring connectors appear like it would be far more secure and easier to fasten and remove each Spring and Fall?

My interstate battery (original) only have the SAE terminals, but I figured its time for a new battery anyways given its 5 years old so I will get one with both connectors.

Thanks,

JMO

[Laptom]

Same story with the dual battery terminals of our 2007. Overtighten and these connectors are not of a great quality.
You can solder them. We did it, and no problems this year.

[AirTool]

I would probably convert the whole thing to lugs like most typical marine applications. I've had the non-lead ring type break just the same....and "did know" when it happened....cause it all went dead.

If you don't want to change the battery to marine post yet, you can get lead terminals with a post for the time being....just fix the cables now.

[Quinner]

You can get pretty much the same terminal at Napa, they have them with the solder already in them, just remove the old one, clean the wire up, install the new one and heat it up. Pretty easy. If you go this route, be sure they give you the proper + or - terminal as they are different sizes.

[jmo]

You can get pretty much the same terminal at Napa, they have them with the solder already in them, just remove the old one, clean the wire up, install the new one and heat it up. Pretty easy. If you go this route, be sure they give you the proper + or - terminal as they are different sizes.

Can I remove the broken terminal by heating it up and pull the wires out? I'd like to avoid cutting and hence shortening the cable if possible?

I'm a bit nervous about using a torch or soldering iron inside the boat as there isn't much room to maneuver where the battery box is on the 196 and I haven't done any real soldering work before, I was thinking about buying one of the hydraulic crimpers for $60 off ebay to put ring terminals/lugs onto the ends of the cables and then either get a new battery or just get the SAE clamps that you can attach the Ring terminal to.

[AirTool]

Can I remove the broken terminal by heating it up and pull the wires out? I'd like to avoid cutting and hence shortening the cable if possible?

I'm not sure, but can you just shave the lead off with an old knife?

[Quinner]

Can I remove the broken terminal by heating it up and pull the wires out? I'd like to avoid cutting and hence shortening the cable if possible?

I'm a bit nervous about using a torch or soldering iron inside the boat as there isn't much room to maneuver where the battery box is on the 196 and I haven't done any real soldering work before, I was thinking about buying one of the hydraulic crimpers for $60 off ebay to put ring terminals/lugs onto the ends of the cables and then either get a new battery or just get the SAE clamps that you can attach the Ring terminal to.

Had to replace my +, was able to heat mine and it slid out. Regardless of what you replace it with you need to remove the old terminal which means heat or cut. If you end up using heat, a wet towel under your work area will help catch and cool any dripping. Try and find a helper if you go the solder route, made it much easier/safer when I did mine.

[ski4evr]

Should be able to get the ends replaced in the boat at a Deka store. We have one and all they do is batteries and battery work.

[jmo]

Hey guys, thanks for the input. It turns out the oem terminal clamp must pressed on as heating with a torch wouldn't allow me to pull it off so I had to cut it. I crimped on ring terminals to each of the wires which turned out nicely as I used a hydraulic crimper for the 2 gauge cable.