Is the airduct to the battery really necessary?

[Nathan G]

Just curious. What's its purpose? To keep the battery cool?

I'm really considering taking it off and leaving the battery cover on, but knowing my luck, that duct is an important piece and I'd screw something up.

Thanks.

[chuyler1]

Batteries can emit toxic fumes...they should be ventilated...however I don't know how important the air duct is...My guess is that you should either leave both or remove both.

[goldwing2000]

Not so much toxic as flammable. Batteries emit hydrogen gas while they are being charged.

They also heat up and (like intake air) a cool battery runs better than a hot one. By leaving the cover and removing the duct, it would make it that much worse.

It doesn't hurt anything and doesn't weigh much, so there's no reason to take it out and every reason to leave it in.

[Nathan G]

Thanks guys. I'll leave it on then. :)

My main worry was the duct affecting any air cooling the engine.

[goldwing2000]

No need to worry about that. The engine is liquid-cooled so the only air you need to be concerned about is the air coming through the front of the radiator!

[Nathan G]

No need to worry about that. The engine is liquid-cooled so the only air you need to be concerned about is the air coming through the front of the radiator!
(cool) Thanks again GW. :)

[Da 6]

...guess I don't have one of those....already replaced it with a optima redtop.

[AzMz3]

Actually the air vent is to prolong the life of the battery and thats it. I will be taking it all out also when I install my red top too.... (headbang)

---Herb---

[goldwing2000]

well, I hate to admit it but I just came up with a good reason for nixing the ductwork. It blocks the view of my pretty red CAI. :D

[PeteyBoy3K]

Seems like it would be fun to hook up a CAI that actually drew from the hole designed for the battery vent. but I'm not sure if the vent is the right diameter and if the resultant shape of the ductwork would be at all advantageous. I'd imagine there would have to be a loop to help evacuate rainwater and someplace to stick the filter.

Speaking of which, what happens if you find yourself in deep water with the CAI?

[Vulcanon]

your engine goes slurp, and you break down

[goldwing2000]

Speaking of which, what happens if you find yourself in deep water with the CAI?

You stop, turn around and go the other direction.

If you're overly worried about it, you can install a bypass valve. Don't get the AEM or Injen ones, though. They are just crappy foam and will eventually rot and fall apart, possibly allowing little foam rubber particles to suck into your engine.

There's a company that makes a sweet SS one but I can't seem to find the link just now.

[mazdaspeedpower]

Seems like it would be fun to hook up a CAI that actually drew from the hole designed for the battery vent. but I'm not sure if the vent is the right diameter and if the resultant shape of the ductwork would be at all advantageous. I'd imagine there would have to be a loop to help evacuate rainwater and someplace to stick the filter.

Speaking of which, what happens if you find yourself in deep water with the CAI?

Well, if you have the bypass installed, which is recomended, and sold by Injen, nothing will happen. Bt if you don't have the bypass, there is a risk that you will suck water in through your intake, completely fucking your engine(and your waranty). However, that would have to be, like a foot and a half deep. SO no real worries. It has to submerged completely to suck in water...and even then, it might not..but I wouldn't go experimenting, cause your dealer will try to find any reason to void your warranty.

[PeteyBoy3K]

but I wouldn't go experimenting, cause your dealer will try to find any reason to void your warranty.

*stops*
*puts bucket of water down*

awww, ok.... *looks down, twists foot*

*perks up, goes and get's the spray can of starter fluid....*

[goldwing2000]

Here's a thread about the steel bypass valves:

http://www2.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46008

And you can buy them from JC Whitney (http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10101&productId=7045&catalogId=10102&langId=-1) for only about $15 more than the cheap foam crap.

[Oricle]

so is it safe to assume that the vent does not need to be there with an optima battery

[goldwing2000]

so is it safe to assume that the vent does not need to be there with an optima battery

Yep. Optimas are completely sealed and do not emit any kind of gas.
They are also less susceptible to heat.
Although, if you do leave off the vent, it's probably still a good idea to leave off the battery lid, as well.

[ag bullet]

Yep. Optimas are completely sealed and do not emit any kind of gas.
They are also less susceptible to heat.
Although, if you do leave off the vent, it's probably still a good idea to leave off the battery lid, as well.

With the vent removed though, there is still that hole in the front that will allow air circulation when the car is moving. All the vent does is scoop a little bit of air from teh front and direct it. I am sure there is more than enough air flow headed that way without that vent.

Thoughts?

[ag bullet]

anyone?

[AzMz3]

anyone?

The air vent is to prolong the life of the battery and thats it, as stated in the Manual!

[goldwing2000]

The front panel of the battery box is removable, as well. If you want to remove the duct and leave the lid, as least open up the front.

[ag bullet]

The front panel of the battery box is removable, as well. If you want to remove the duct and leave the lid, as least open up the front.


That is nice to know. Thanks! I may just go that route or take that panel off and drill some big holes in it to increase air circulation.

[goldwing2000]

I actually thought about mounting a CPU cooling fan (or similar) into my battery box somewhere.

Just tie it into key-on power and it'll run whenever the car's on.

[ag bullet]

I actually thought about mounting a CPU cooling fan (or similar) into my battery box somewhere.

Just tie it into key-on power and it'll run whenever the car's on.

That is nice and all, but the battery really isn't getting air when the car is sitting still, so I doubt that a fan like that would be beneficial. I dunno.

I drilled some holes in the front and will put the lid on before I head out tonight. I figure I should be fine now.

[Da 6]

That is nice and all, but the battery really isn't getting air when the car is sitting still, so I doubt that a fan like that would be beneficial. I dunno.

I drilled some holes in the front and will put the lid on before I head out tonight. I figure I should be fine now.
The fan will move air regardless if the car is in motion or not as long as the car is on.

[AzMz3]

The fan will move air regardless if the car is in motion or not as long as the car is on.

I agree that that would be a useless mod. What would be the point. I doubt the battery would last any longer than one without the duct.

[Da 6]

guess so...replaced mine with 10 yr warentied red top...

by the way why is the 3 the only one with a battery duct?