Re: S4 battery replacement suggestions?

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a note dated 11/12/96 (cngnyec) Mike stated:

>Duane,
>OK I give up, why buy a vented battery when totally sealed batteries are
>available?!

I'm sure that the archives have all the various battery suggestions but...I
do recall when I needed a battery for my (gone but not forgotten) 87 5kcstqw
that I had to look all over town (local sears didn't have the right die-good
er hard) for the correct size batterey complete with vent. Now, it is my
understanding that all lead acid automobile batteries have some sort of
venting including so called sealed types. Jump in and correct me if I'm wrong
(since I often can be and am not ashamed to admit it) but...My understanding
of a totaly sealed battery would be a marine gel-cell type which is great for
deep cycle marine applications-especially in cases where there is a chance of
saltwater getting to the battery and causing gas clouds. These gel-cells are
very expensive and generally don't have the CCA requirements for automotive
use. I did find a battery that had the vent though for my old wagon and it
didn't take that much effort...I just let my fingers do the walking, so I
know they can be found from sources other than the dreaded dealer parts
counter (sorry Linda).

It is very important to vent the gas vapors that are a normal byproduct of
charging out of your passenger area when you have an underseat battery. One
last thing, the place I got mine (I think it was Grand Auto) stocked 'em for
VW buses-if that helps.

Mike Veglia
85 4ksq (with battery under the hood-no special vents required)