Miata Mailing List: November 1994, Message #181
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   From: BILL.ALLEN@metrokc.gov
Subject: Re: Miata Batteries
   Date: Mon, 7 Nov 1994 14:40:49 -0500

>	I would like to know whether these batteries have the vent ports 
>that fit the tubing on the stock batteries. I believe even though the 
>batteries are gel cells there is still a concern about explosive gases 
>given off during periods of heavy use.

Archie,
The Johnson Control batteries do not have vent connections.  This was a little
disconcerting to me, as well.  In talking to the Johnson Control staff, they
advised this battery incorporates a "recombinant-technology, valve-regulated,
AGM, gel-cell" design and is maintenance-free.  The Interstate people told me
the new design puts off only 10% of the O2 and H2 of the previous design. 
Still a little nervous, I checked the interior of the vent tubes on my 5-year
old Miata and could find no residue with a cue-tip on the interior of the
tubes.  My guess is the H2 volume is so small and the H2 molecule so difficult
to confine that the risk is not significant.
Bill Allen