Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2000 21:14:16 -0700
Reply-To: Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.com>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.com>
Organization: Genentech, Inc.
Subject: Re: FW: New battery experiences
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Bill,
I can vouch for the fact that some brands of Group 41 batteries seem to be an
extremely tight fit into the battery compartment in the Vanagon, while other
brands seem to have a little more room. They eventually fit, but the removal and
replacement may not always be that easy. I recently bought a new battery for my
'87 Westfalia (Pep Boys brand, as it was sort of an emergency and that store was
the closest at the time) and even using the battery remover, it was a bit of a
struggle to get the old battery out. The new one went in a little easier than
the old one came out, but they were both Group 41, so I think there are some
slight differences in case dimensions.
In my '82 van, the Sears Diehard brand of Group 41 size seems to pull out/drop
in a lot easier, so I think that particular battery is a bit smaller.
Dan
Bill Davidson wrote:
> > >> Battery lid still wont stay down due to the battery being too high
> >>when
> > >>the terminal guard is in place. Had to sit in the seat, reach back and
> > >>hold it down while sliding the seat back. What a design!? >>
>
> The battery compartment lid has a gasget that is meant to seal it.... that
> is because the battery will emit poison gas when charging... true the
> battery box is vented, but the venting design assums a properly sealed
> lid... if the lid is not sealed the air will reverse the intended flow
> direction and blow through the vents and into the van... toxic fumes and
> all....
>
> The group 41 batteries do fit later model vanagons.... I'm pretty sure all
> the battery boxes are the same size on the later model vans... I have one in
> my 90 Westy Syncro... I suppose it is possible that there are minor
> differences in the group 41 size... In any case, you really should get a
> battery that fits so you can seal the lid...
>
> Oh... and you don't need to put your fingers in there to remove the
> battery... do it the easy way, save your fingers... go to the FLAPS and pay
> about $3 for a battery remover... it cinches to the battery posts and you
> just lift the battery out.... easy.
>
> Good Luck....
>
> Bill
>
> >
> > >It fits the Group 41 battery for which it was designed just fine.
> >
> > How arrogant of you to say this when you have not even seen my van or
> > battery! I've just reinstalled my battery and I can assure you it DOES
> > NOT fit just fine.
> > Neither did my previous Group 41 battery. The positive terminal is too
> > high when the plastic guard is in place; the hinged lid WILL NOT clip
> > down.
> > Also the battery I just installed has a slight lip on each side for
> > carrying it (my old battery did not). This makes it easier to carry and
> > install, but makes removal almost impossible since its no longer
> > possible to squeeze your fingers down the side of the battery tray.
> >
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