Old Wolf wrote:
> On Jul 13, 4:31 am, Mike Romain > wrote:
>> I think the reason your battery was flat involves that big spark you
>> saw. That indicates a large draw on the battery. There should only be
>> a small crackle when the post tightens up, not a chunk blowing arc.
>
> I recharged the battery and tested with an ammeter before
> connecting the negative lead, and it showed 600mA being
> drawn. I believe this is quite high (my other car of the same
> manufacturer and similar year only draws 200mA). I might
> have to take it to an electrician to get it checked out.
>
> (I googled and it suggested doing voltage drop testing on
> the alternator, but my alternator is in an awkward place).
>
>> I use dielectric grease over my terminals to help keep corrosion down.
>
> Right, so you apply that to the terminals before connecting
> them?

Because it is dielectric grease, it is non conductive so I clean the
lead nice and clamp it tight before adding the grease coating.

I live in the salt/rust belt and even with grease the older batteries
and cable need a clean every 2-3 years or they will give trouble.

Sometimes you can narrow down a draw by pulling fuses. You pull one at
a time looking for the drop, then you have the circuit in question
narrowed down at least.

Mike