battery

["Al Powell" <APOWELL@agcom.tamu.edu>]

quk@sievers.com (Phil Payne) Said:
> 
> In message <961112194957_75052.1503_GHJ67-1@CompuServe.COM> "Timothy A. Wicks" writes:
> 
> > I need to replace the battery in my '92 S4.  It's the type that is under the
> > rear seat, it has a small black plastic "protector flap" that snaps into the
> > battery near the positive terminal to protect from a short with any of the seat
> > hardware, and it has a small ventilation hose coming out of one side.
> > 
> > Must I replace this battery with an AUDI battery that has all the same features,
> > or can I buy an "off the shelf" one as long as I at least protect the positive
> > terminal???
> 
> It _NEEDS_ to be vented properly.  

Phil is right.  Also, the question was asked "Why can't I use a 
sealed battery??"  I will attempt to answer more fully.

1)  There ain't no such thing as a totally sealed lead/acid battery.  
And you don't want acid fumes eating the underside of that seat.  So 
get one with the proper vent provided, and connect it to the hose 
which leads down and exits the car, venting the gas.

2)  Height is critical to avoid shorting against the seat.  The 
correct battery is vented, slightly shorter than a normal battery, 
AND has a plastic shield over the positive terminal to prevent 
shorting!

3)  You do NOT have to buy an Audi battery.  You can get a correct 
battery from Interstate, sears, and others...but make sure it's 
correct for your application: Vent tube, correct height, shield over 
positive terminal.

This is easy enough to do correctly that there's no point in messing 
around and trying to make an incorrect battery work.  Spend the $80 
and get the right one!

 
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Al Powell                        Voice:  409/845-2807
107 Reed McDonald Bldg.          Fax:    409/862-1202
College Station, TX 77843      
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"Some people can tell what time it is by looking at the
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             [From 5th/6th grade essays....]