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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Electrical => Topic started by: cvbear on May 28, 2012, 03:56:31 pm

Title: Battery Problem
Post by: cvbear on May 28, 2012, 03:56:31 pm
We have the electric fans wired directly to the positive terminal on the battery.  I wanted to disconnect the battery for some work on the truck.  When i tried to disconnect the positive terminal, the bolt turns but does not loosen.  I am guessing that something is broken inside the battery case and letting the area the bolt goes into spin.  Pictures are attached.
The only thing i can think of is cutting the battery cable and putting a new end on it.  That stinks because the battery is still good.  I think there is enough slack to reach the battery with a new end but I am not certain.  No problem with the negative cable.  Any ideas would be welcome.
Title: Re: Battery Problem
Post by: 1979C20 on May 28, 2012, 04:22:29 pm
I would recommend cutting the ends of the two small wires off at the battery, then remove the positive battery cable from the atarter. Take the batter out with the cable attached and tell them to replace the battery and cable since you cant remove it.
Title: Re: Battery Problem
Post by: codyC10kid on May 28, 2012, 07:44:01 pm
Try this...Cut the 2 wires you have hooked up so that you can pry with a flat head screw driver and turn the bolt out at the same time...that might work...Make shure your loosening and not tightening
Title: Re: Battery Problem
Post by: ssapach on May 29, 2012, 01:27:11 pm
I would cut the plastic covers off the ends of the cables, then you could see a little more of what's going on.  All that is inside of the plastic end is a flat washer-like piece with some small bumps to keep it from turning on the terminal.

I've cut these ends off cables before and the end is still fine for bolting to the battery.  But with the plastic removed, you might be able to get a pair of pliers or vise grips onto the battery terminal while you undo the bolt.
Title: Re: Battery Problem
Post by: choptop on May 30, 2012, 11:44:18 am
Sounds like the threaded insert in the battery is spinning inside the lead casting. Take a screw driver and insert the tip  flat blade ) between the terminal and battery. Pry out on it with a little pressure and turn the bolt to see if the added tension will hold tge insert well enough for the bolt to unthread. If the insert comes oit, you needed a battery anyway. I always disconnect the negative first and hook it up last as a safety measure. I would only cut the cable as a last measure unless youre going to replace it anyway
Title: Re: Battery Problem
Post by: jaredts on May 30, 2012, 12:21:41 pm
I would try the other suggestions first, but you could drill the head off the bolt.
Title: Re: Battery Problem
Post by: bake74 on May 30, 2012, 08:44:07 pm
     I have run into this problem before with this type of battery.  I do not like them, I perfer the top post and use an adapter to hook stuff to.