Is the battery vent really necessary?

[fastsvo]

My Wal Mart battery (group 49) just died and it had leaked battery acid through the vent hose and around the battery itself.

So the fun now begins trying to find a replacement battery. Walmart no longer carries the group size 49 and my local store was out of stock on the 94R version.

Now, every other "94R" battery I have found does not feature a vented cap system. Should I really be concerned about retaining this feature?

Is there a red Optima unit now that will fit the stock tray?

Thanks,
Eric

[Airrik]

Yes the vented battery is necessary for proper ventelation for breathing into the air cabin system. I know because my mechanic told me this when I replaced my battery about 3 weeks ago.

[FPB111]

If you have a vented battery yes.

After fighting rust in the battery boxes on my 1970S and 1972T. I would buy an AGM, GEL or a sealed no maintenance battery before I would replace with a vented battery. Your car can use a group 48, 49, 94R It has different mounting holes in the plate for each.

Last replacement for my 2003 996 I went to an endurance Braille GRP 48 AGM. They also have GRP 49 both are expensive and straight bolt in replacements. I have been using AGM batteries for ~15 years. Currently in my BMW R1100RT and 1972 track car. The bike battery is still going strong after 9 years and the car batteries are still good after 12 years. YMMV

Braille Battery USA &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp Lighter • Stronger • Faster - B7548

Costco, Sears, Interstate, Porsche also have replacement flooded, lead acid, vented batteries for ~$79-$150 if that is the way you want to go.

Make sure to clean up the residue from the spill with baking soda/powder solution to neutralize the acid before it eats into the bulkhead under the battery tray.

[fastsvo]

Originally Posted by FPB111

If you have a vented battery yes.

After fighting rust in the battery boxes on my 1970S and 1972T. I would buy an AGM, GEL or a sealed no maintenance battery before I would replace with a vented battery. Your car can use a group 48, 49, 94R It has different mounting holes in the plate for each.

Last replacement for my 2003 996 I went to an endurance Braille GRP 48 AGM. They also have GRP 49 both are expensive and straight bolt in replacements. I have been using AGM batteries for ~15 years. Currently in my BMW R1100RT and 1972 track car. The bike battery is still going strong after 9 years and the car batteries are still good after 12 years. YMMV

Braille Battery USA &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp Lighter • Stronger • Faster - B7548

Costco, Sears, Interstate, Porsche also have replacement flooded, lead acid, vented batteries for ~$79-$150 if that is the way you want to go.

Make sure to clean up the residue from the spill with baking soda/powder solution to neutralize the acid before it eats into the bulkhead under the battery tray.

That's what I was thinking, why not replace it with a 100% "maintenance free" battery and not deal with the potential issue of corrosion caused by these leaking batteries.

Just a note, I was unable to power up the car through the power stud inside the fuse box in order to open the trunk. I ended up using the cigarette lighter method.

Not sure why...

[fastsvo]

Thanks for the link!


Just a note, I was unable to power up the car through the power stud inside the fuse box in order to open the trunk. I ended up using the cigarette lighter method.

Is this a bad sign?
Reply With Quote

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Yes, in a pinch, you can use the lighter to charge the battery. The battery vent is there for a reason. Use it.

[FPB111]

Jared,
What if it is a sealed battery? Drill a hole to stiick the vent into?

What did you clamp the ground to?

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

If it's a sealed battery, it's not the correct battery. Or at least, thats my official answer. If there's no vent in the battery, don't worry about it.

[Zeke]

Looking around for battery info, I found this old post. I think a gel battery does not have a provision for a vent, so no vent. Some sealed batteries have not been drilled for the vent but have a boss there for one. Don't do this yourself, buy a battery with the hookup. And use it.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Looking around for battery info, I found this old post. I think a gel battery does not have a provision for a vent, so no vent. Some sealed batteries have not been drilled for the vent but have a boss there for one. Don't do this yourself, buy a battery with the hookup. And use it.

AN AGM battery, such as the Optima, does not have a vent and does not need one; which is one of the reasons is totally stops any battery tray area corrosion.

[thstone]

If you buy a replacement battery with the vent, then use the tube. If you buy a maintenance free battery without a vent (which won't harm anything), then just tie the unneeded vent tube back out of the way. Easy breezy.

[FPB111]

Braille AGMs have gotten very $$$ try:
Duralasts AGM Platinum/Battery
Price: $179.99
AutoZone, we refund the core charge to you. $15.00

Part Number: H7-AGM

Also Sears Diehard AGMG GP48 Item #22850748 for $174.99.

[LarryHughes]

WalMart currently has the proper group 49 battery. About $100. I just changed mine.
The vent is configurable and my 996 vent system plugged right in.
IIR, the warranty is 3 years which is about as long as batteries last in Florida's heat.