jamren

So I just changed out my battery to a Duralast model. I noticed that there is a vent hole on each side of the battery. I connected one side to the vent tube but the other side is currently open. Should the other side have a plug? I asked Auto Zone about this and they said it doesn't do anything. I'm not convinced so I figured that I would post here.

relinuca

Based on my experience, both holes need to be addressed; either plug the extra hole or fabricate a second drain tube for it.

In my case, I failed to do so and over time battery acid found its way out the second unplugged hole causing some damage to the battery tray.

relinuca

Wausau 911

Acid absorbing battery mat is always a good idea. Cheap at about $14.

wwest

Only if it "absorbs" the fumes before they are sucked into the cabin!

jamren

Any tips on where I can buy a plug? Auto Zone is ZERO help. The guys working there are clueless.

Seeeu911

You may have luck if you know the industrial part of your town finding a used battery shop and buying a 6pack for the guy there for a vent tube. You are a DIY guy so some time at a ACE hardware or Home Depot for some tubing and a nipple plug to fab your own up.

fpb111

Quick set epoxy?

6ta1

AGM battery? :-)

2K7TTMIA

Try a Pep Boys or Wallymart. IF they carry the Bosch or EverMaxx batteries, they should have some plugs available; that's where I got mine.

5CHN3LL

Don't overthink the plug. Epoxy or a good dab of silicone. Or you could go back to the battery store and ask them for the plug that should have come with the battery.

The hydrogen - if there is any - venting from the battery is not high-pressure. A little blob of hi-temp RTV in the disused hole will be more than sufficient to keep from getting blowed up. In fact, I'd suppose that it would provide a better seal than the cheesy molded plastic plug that should have been provided with the battery. The last battery I picked up from AutoZone had the plug cast into the handle for the battery - my buddy whose M3 it was going into and I took a little while to notice it. It might be worthwhile to take another look at the battery and any materials that came with it.

sds911

I just replaced my battery with the duralast platinum AGM (94R/H7) from Autozone last week. There should have been a white plastic plug on one side of the battery vent holes. We had to remove the plug from the positive terminal side with a needle nose pliers, and then pop it into the hole on the negative terminal side -- since the vent tube goes to the positive side (due to limited length). So, go back to Autozone and look at other batteries for the little white plug on one side of the battery.

onewhippedpuppy

Go grab a variety pack of vinyl or rubber caps. They sell them for a few dollars at most auto parts stores, there's a wide variety of sizes in one box. That is what should have come on your battery.