what would cause sulfuric acid to build up on battery cables?

Answer 1

sulphuric acid.... is the electroyte in the water that carries the electricty from the * and - lead plates in the typical car battery - the lead / acid battery.
The white, sulphur powder that builds up and deposits itself on the battery posts, and along short lengths of the copper wire cables, is leaking from the battery in a slow watery 'creap" where the water evaporates in the air, and leaves the powder behind. A good sealed unit or a unit with a good seal on the battery posts, would not allow this to happen.
This is about the same as having salty water. You cant see the salt in the water, but if you evaporate the water, or drip the water slowly to allow it to dry on a surface, eventually you will have white salt powder building up.
To remove the acid, put ordinary baking soda ( sodium bi carbonate ) in water and pour over the area. Using petroleum jelly or oil on the contacts helps keep the acid off the metal, and prevents corrosion. There are many sprays and contact liquids you can purchase to protect the areas.

Answer 2

loose or worn battery clamps will cause this. also if the battery is old it will build up faster than normal. Get a battery posy/cable cleaner and clean the post and cable. Also, if you still have a good connection just use hot water. Pour the hot water straight on the post (without disconnecting the battery) Hot water cleans the buildup away quickly and cheaply.

Answer 3

It's the corrosion of the fumes from your battery. Look for a Deka battery or a CarQuest battery. If you want to clean the old one use a little water and baking soda mix it will clean it up. Rinse with water after you are done.

Answer 4

I try to prevent this problem by putting petroleum jelly on the posts, it seems to have worked because the buildup if any is now small.

Answer 5

damp > leads to corrosion > leads to build up.