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  #1  
Old 10-27-2006, 04:08 PM
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consequences for running a battery without vent tube in W210?

i noticed that the last owner of my 97 E420 got a new Exide group49 battery installed just 4 months ago, but it doesn't have a vent tube. the battery is under the rear seat, and i see a small hole on the floor. so am i ok, or is it absolutely not acceptable to have a battery without the vent tube? what will happen?

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Old 10-27-2006, 04:15 PM
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Better think about another one. Hydrogen gas, plus a fuse box under the seat=bad. Can ruin the stuffing in the seat. Most people complain of it stripping the protective coating on the floor pan and resulting rusting, have had people needing a fusebox. If you can get a totally non-vented battery (I think possibly Optima is?) fine, but if it is venting somehow, this is a bad thing if it doesn't go out a tube to good ol Mother Earth.
Gilly
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Old 10-27-2006, 04:28 PM
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exactly how much hydrogen gas gets emitted by the battery? i'm surprised that it can give off that much gas to start corroding the seat stuffing, fuse box, etc..

if it has to be done i guess i'll get another one.. a duralast or oem w/ a vent tube argh
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Old 10-27-2006, 04:32 PM
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I don't know how much, even approximately. Not even how you would quantify it. CFM? Grams? Dribbles? PSI?
All I know is people have had problems, and I've seen it myself too.
Not something that happens continuously I'm sure, just at certain times when the alternator is charging the battery more rapidly.
Gilly
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  #5  
Old 10-27-2006, 04:33 PM
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DuraLast 48-DL battery OK for 97 E420?
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Old 10-27-2006, 05:43 PM
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Some years ago M-B had a recall to check for dislodged vent tubes!
So, it is very important.
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Old 10-27-2006, 07:34 PM
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Doesn't take much. I had mine vented and it apparently leaked some gas through a leak in the vent tube splice. Started eating away the paint under the battery in no time. I now use an Optima.

Len
'99 E300TD
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  #8  
Old 10-27-2006, 10:16 PM
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I have a group 49 Exide (60-49 I think?) in my '72. While a vent tube is NOT a requirement in a '72, it DOES have one. Maybe the design has changed in the last 4 years? (Mine was made in Reading, not Mexico) Hearing yours doesn't have one does surprise me.
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Old 10-28-2006, 07:38 PM
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It could blow up, seen it happen. If it does the back seat may join you in the front!

I saw the aftermath of an 8D that went up in a Post, wow!
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Old 10-28-2006, 08:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sokoloff View Post
Doesn't take much. I had mine vented and it apparently leaked some gas through a leak in the vent tube splice. Started eating away the paint under the battery in no time. I now use an Optima.

Len
'99 E300TD
Which model Optima battery did you use? The last time I checked (several years ago) Optima did not make a battery for the W210.
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  #11  
Old 10-29-2006, 07:02 AM
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Red top 34/800R reversed terminal.

Len
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  #12  
Old 10-29-2006, 11:13 AM
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Same problem exists with BMW motorcyles.

Guys that cheap out and use WalMart garden tractor batteries end up with corroded seat pans.

This despite all the air circulation you'd normally associate with a motorcycle.

And, it's not hydrogen that corrodes, it's the sulphuric acid fumes.

Hydrogen is merely an explosion hazard.
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Last edited by lkchris; 10-29-2006 at 09:20 PM.
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  #13  
Old 10-29-2006, 12:16 PM
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:grin:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
I don't know how much, even approximately. Not even how you would quantify it. CFM? Grams? Dribbles? PSI?
All I know is people have had problems, and I've seen it myself too.
Not something that happens continuously I'm sure, just at certain times when the alternator is charging the battery more rapidly.
Gilly
Atmospheric hydrogen is measured in PPM = Parts Per Million.
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  #14  
Old 10-29-2006, 12:26 PM
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Answer:

Quote:
Originally Posted by ProV1 View Post
i noticed that the last owner of my 97 E420 got a new Exide group49 battery installed just 4 months ago, but it doesn't have a vent tube. the battery is under the rear seat, and i see a small hole on the floor. so am i ok, or is it absolutely not acceptable to have a battery without the vent tube? what will happen?
Absolutely not acceptable to have a battery without the vent tube...

Safety & health
Health & Safety
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  #15  
Old 10-29-2006, 06:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lkchris View Post
Same problem exists with BMW motorcyles.

Guys that cheap out and use WalMart garden tractor batteries end up with corroded seat pans.

This despite all the air circulation you'd normally associate with a motorcycle.

And, it's not hydrogen that corrodes, it's the sulphuic acid fumes.

Hydrogen is merely an explosion hazard.
Not much of a chance on mine:
http://www.spritespot.com/gallery/Sprite-Portfolio/000_1092

Gilly

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