just what the subject is. The positive battery cable keeps coming loose on one of my battery's and i keep trying to tighten it back up but it doesnt stay tight. Any tricks anyone can let me know of.

Put one of those "spikey" lock washers on it??

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:GRn_CLfsVRUF6M:http://westernhardware.thomasnet.com/ImgMedium/lock%2520washer.jpg

Scratch that, won't work on yours. Grab the right size wrench and put Leroy to the task. You know, the same guy that puts our oil filters on at the factory. :D

just what the subject is. The positive battery cable keeps coming loose on one of my battery's and i keep trying to tighten it back up but it doesnt stay tight. Any tricks anyone can let me know of.
Hello StrokerSmoker24,

Are they top mount or side mount?

Franko

If it's an original battery, check and make sure the terminal itself hasn't broken loose. Some Delcos had problems with that. Also I have read that some of the vehicles had battery bolts that bottomed out in the battery instead of tightening the cable to battery.

Only other suggestion I can think of is to make sure something isn't pulling on the cable. I don't know if something like a broken motor mount could cause the engine to torque over and pull the cable or not.

I seem to remember seeing a TSB for battery terminal bolts that were too long causing your problems.

If the bolts are to long it could also crack the case and cause battery leaks. :D

If the bolts are to long it could also crack the case and cause battery leaks. :D

Especially when LeRoy (or one of his relatives) tightens it. :eek:

aftermarket side mount batteries. I have tightened the piss out of them almost to the point i start to round off the head of the bolt. There is also rust and corrosion on the terminal and no matter how often i clean it, it keeps happening. I had no problems with the stock batteries so im not sure whats going on

The corrosion is from a leaking battery at the point where the side post insert lead meets the plastic. The loose bolt is typically corrected by using slip joint pliers on the round portion of the bolt, right inboard of the 5/16 head. The bolt and spacer are easily replaceable, I'd recommend doing it, since your having trouble anyways.

Check out Post #6 on the following thread

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=239330

My solution, found on a 91 park avenue that I have is this.Purchase a can of batt cleaner and a can of the "protectant". Remove all connectors from the positive terminal,and THOROUGHLY clean them.If you can see corrosion ,KEEP CLEANING! This may require a wire brush, a screwdriver, several beers, but don't give up until all connections are clean and shiny( including under the rubber portion of the connector).After the connections are dry,spray all connector surfaces,including the battery terminal, with the protectant.You may want to wear gloves or you will have red hands for a day or two.While the protectant is still wet, assemble the connectors.It seems as though the protectant acts as a mild thread lock,and keeps things in place.

Coke, coffee or baking soda in water will clean a terminal of all corrosion. If the bolt is too long put a thin stainless steel washerunder the terminal.

IF the pos post keeps coming loose it has been stretched by too much tightening or just old age of it. You could add a inside star washer if you have to but. I should get the name of it but someone makes a good electrical connector that can splice onto the factory wire/ cable to put and end on they are brass and use a fingered tapered pipe type end.

IF your battery keeps corroding one of the cells on the battery is bad should be replaced, both of them. Vaseline works very well as a grease on the posts this keeps out moisture.