Date:         Thu, 20 Jul 2000 18:58:03 -0700
Reply-To:     Bill Davidson <wdavidson@thegrid.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Davidson <wdavidson@thegrid.net>
Subject:      Re: FW: New battery experiences
Comments: To: "Carrington, Tom" <TCarrington@ReliTech.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> >> 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.
>