Here
is one repsonse I received. It is interesting that the non-camper 88 does
not have a vent for the battery. He confirms your assumption that it
off gasses only when charging.
Philip,
My vent opens pretty much straight down into the rear part of the passenger
side wheel well. Sticks through the metal by about 2 or 3 inches as I remember.
No wires coming through, but I have seen several posts over the past few months
with admissions of taking the easy way through the battery vent when running
after market wires. Any wires coming through the vent are almost surely after
market.
As for the cold air, if you feel it coming out of the battery compartment
that means your battery compartment lid is not sealed properly. As for why the
auxiliary battery compartment is not even designed to be vented or sealed...
Dunno. That's VW for you. My guess is that in most cases it was only meant as a
spare tool box. According to Harald's investigations, only the weedender models
ever came with an auxiliary battery. Perhaps they are vented and sealed..
Dunno.
I put in an auxiliary battery, but happily it is sealed so no toxic fumes
problem.
My understanding is that the further down the starter battery (or any
unsealed battery) is drawn, then the more charging it will take once you start
the van, and the more chemical reactions, and the more fumes. The worst would be
an old battery that needs a jump. But every start of the battery draws down the
battery and then it is recharged by the alternator causing chemical reactions
and fumes.
That's the little that I know...
What do you mean EXTRA VENT?
Bill
90 Westy Syncro
What is the shape of the vent hose for the primary
battery as it comes out from underneath the van? Mine looks as if it
has been cut and opens straight down to the ground, offering extra (COLD!)
ventilation for the passenger area. I also have two wires coming out
which I think are not stock.
Why is it that the primary battery has a vent and the
aux battery compartment does not?
How much off-gassing is there really? If the Aux
compartment does not have a vent then why is it necessary to vent the
primary compartment?
I have an 87 Westy with an extra vent. Appreciate
any speculation/answers.
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>J
Phillip Bouton (PLEASE NOTE NEW ADDRESS)
National Association of County and
City Health Officials
1100
17th Street, NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20036
PBouton@naccho.org
http://www.naccho.org