Date: Mon, 25 Dec 2023 19:40:28 +0000
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: Start battery any new tips when replacing?
In-Reply-To: <28BB7D3D-00EA-4483-9F76-3C34B369AAD7@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I have never understood the issue with having a "vent tube". Isn't the gas produced Hydrogen? Isn't it the lightest gas, with smallest molecules? Doesn't it just rise through any available crack? Doesn't all that gas just fly up and out van once door is opened? And how does a vent tube work....I mean you can't exactly force the lighter than air gas to vent downward. Sorry for all my confusion folks....but I finally got the courage to ask the question!
On Sunday, December 24, 2023 at 11:45:59 AM PST, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
Hi all,
Thanks Dennis,
Can someone describe the 96R AGM and why it might be worth more dollars?
Would the battery fit and terminals match up?
Otherwise, I’ll start hunting for a group 41.
I have time and also want to check my old one for any crank or voltage degradation.
Eric Caron
> On Dec 24, 2023, at 1:26 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> The size and layout of the battery compartment is amongst the annoyances of owning a Vanagon. Especially the height limitation. The proper fitment for the Vanagon water cooled is the BCI Group 41, The air cooled used BCI Group 42. Both these sizes are becoming limited in choices and noe are available in AGM or other technologies.
>
> For the Westphalia the fit is even worse as that box with sealed cover was added to isolate the battery from the "living" space. A bit surprising as most Audi's of the era with the battery under the rear seat had the vent-drain tube arrangement.
>
> Anyway had the battery box been a bit taller than a BCI Group 48 battery would fit. These are current and common. These are also available in AGM and other special purpose versions
>
> Recently I have installed a number of BCI Group 40R (posts reversed), AH capacity just slightly less but the fit is much improved. Especially on the 86 and later with that heavy starter cable. The NAPA ones also have a provision for the vent tube.
>
> The 96R should also fit and while rare there are some available in AGM form, including Odyssey. ($$$)
>
> There are a lot of factors including luck that effect the life and performance of a battery. I have seen many last for years and some fail in a year or 2. A variable is how well did they get formed, (initial charge at factory) and how they are charged and treated just after installation. Abusing a new battery with a hard to start vehicle or non performing charging system will reduce its life and performance.
>
> All that said a starting battery is a consumable and while we hate to spend $$$, the standard replacement cost is about the same as 2 or 3 tanks of fuel.
> Decide on standard or if you want something better (AGM), (may not really be), price shop for best deal and availability and go for it.
>
> Merry Christmas
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Eric Caron
> Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2023 1:45 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Start battery any new tips when replacing?
>
> Hi folks,
>
> As my Start battery is 10 years old I"m considering a prevention purchase of a new battery.
>
> Below is text from a battery email from another list with some thoughts.
>
> Is there a 91 group that fits? And why would someone use something other than a group 41?
>
> What battery would you recommend as a start battery these days?
>
> Have their been any improvements we can take advantage of?
>
> Or, do I go to Walmart and see if I can find any group 41 on the shelf.
> Old email below:
>
>
>
> Group 91 and 40R are good fitment. FWIW, there are only a couple manufacturers of std lead acid batteries and almost any name brand you choose is going to be about the same. Napa doesn't make their own, Interested etc are going to be all about the same other than warranties - but read the fine print as that varies.
> Autozone has the 41DL: https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/p/duralast-battery-41-dl-group-size-41-650-cca/31694_0_0
> I'm using the Odyssey Battery 96R-600 in my Westy.
>
>
>
> I've been using interstate batteries on my vans for 23 years with good results.
>>
>> There are other options:
>>
>> https://batterygroupexpert.com/group-41-battery/
>> _._,_._,_
> _._,_._,_
> <http://groups.io/>
> Thoughts appreciated.
>
> Eric Caron
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