A while back I was redoing the A/C and installed a wagon sway bar on my 1983 w123 300D. While I was at it, I had the opportunity to fix the rust under the battery tray and the tray itself as shown in this thread.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/body-repair/344019-ketchup-vinegar-wire-brush-3-days-%3Dalmost-no-rust.html#post3210214
I had since reinstalled the Autozone battery and operating it ever since but was noticing more acid causing corrosion on the tray. This has made me very unhappy.
I finally decided a Flooded Lead Acid battery will never be installed in this car ever again and will replace it with an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Battery.
These batteries are typically installed in the trunks or in the cabin of newer cars. It's a sealed battery, doesn't leak and doesn't emit any gasses. Some even say you can mount an AGM battery on it's side.
I purchased a Deka Ultimate AGM - part number 9AGM49 - from my local parts supplier for around $220.
New leak free Deka AGM vs the leaky Autozone Duralast Flooded Lead Acid.
Fixed the corrosion on the battery tray and was very glad under the tray was clean.
As installed...
Comparison of battery stickers.
AGM Battery
• Excellent value - Product life lasts up to two times longer
• Reliable - Extremely heat and cold tolerant
• Robust - Ideal for vehicles equipped with lots of electronics
• Worry free - Slower discharge in storage
• Durable - outstanding vibration resistance
• Safer - No free-flowing electrolyte or spill hazard
• Powerful - A high performance alternative
• Resilient - Excellent ability to tolerate deep cycling
Flooded Lead Acid Battery
• Shorter battery life
• Less tolerant of heat, cold and vibration
• Faster discharge
• Contains free-flowing electrolyte
• Poses a spill hazard
I really do think this is the way to go with our vehicles like the w123 and w126 to keep them safe in the battery area from corrosion. So I urge you all to dump your flooded lead acid batteries and install an AGM. It's well worth it.
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