Miata Mailing List: December 1996, Message #4
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   From: (none)

Subject: Re: Replacement battery

   Date: (none)



At 6:52 PM 11/30/96, Mike O'Barr wrote:

>Just installed a Sears Die Hard group 51 battery.  The battery fits in

>the original tray great.  It is maybe a 1/4" narrower, about 1/4"

>shallower, and about 1" taller than the original Panasonic.  The only

>thing I had to change was the hold down bolt because of the taller

>battery.  Total price of about $60 without tax.  The local dealers

>wanted $130 for a new Mazada battery.  The new battery is not vented

>outside so I will watch for signs of corrosion.



Mike,



Just my two cents...but, I think you have done yourself and your Miata a

disservice.



There is a REASON that a gel cell battery was used in the Miata and that is

because the trunk is a relatively sealed area.  The possible accumulation

of dangerous vapors is a real factor in Mazda's decision to avoid using a

wet cell battery.  The fact that you are not venting the new battery only

adds to my concern.  Gases from a traditional automotive battery are

extremely explosive.  It is quite possible that a rear-end collison that

would have resulted in nothing more than serious damage could now result in

your Miata going up in a ball of fire.  That battery is only about 14

inches from the gas tank.



Granted, the Mazda battery >is< expensive.  However, if you order one from

a place like Roebuck you can get it for under $100.  Not too bad when you

consider that most owners get 4-5 years service out of these batteries.



For $50 saved, it's just not worth it to go with a wet cell.









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 Mark Booth - '92 B Classic Red,  Team Voodoo

       President - San Diego Miata Club

 P.O. Box 2286, Spring Valley, CA  91979-2286

      24-hour voice/fax - (619) 670-7948

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