Battery Vented or NON vented

[Quickdraw]

Anyone ever tried those sealed gel type batteries, like they use in offroad ( redtop or yellowtop) seems this would solve the delima ?

What dilemma? $119 from a Ford or Lincoln dealer and mine was still going strong when I replaced it after 12 years. The only reason I replaced it is I had a Lincoln LS with the same new battery that I traded in.

[Sealy]

This may be simplistic and an unpopular opinion, but . . . my Merlot came from Ford with a vented Ford battery in the trunk. For as long as I am the her caretaker, she will continue to have a vented Ford battery in the trunk. For me, no other argument or explanation is needed.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Some people here want to skimp on about everything from tires to batteries..not me

[Dennis45]

This may be simplistic and an unpopular opinion, but . . . my Merlot came from Ford with a vented Ford battery in the trunk. For as long as I am the her caretaker, she will continue to have a vented Ford battery in the trunk. For me, no other argument or explanation is needed.

Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

[TBird1stLuv]

I agree with 007 Cruiser... better safe than sorry. Ford would have chose the cheapest solution if it wasn't a safety issue. I vote for the vented battery. Nice gut shot @ Ford with the Pinto remark.

[007Cruiser]

Anyone ever tried those sealed gel type batteries, like they use in offroad ( redtop or yellowtop) seems this would solve the delima ?

The leading manufacturer of these (Optima Batteries) doesn’t offer a battery to fit our cars. I looked into their batteries quite a few years ago. At that time they specifically advised against using their battery in applications that required venting.

[steelblue5505]

Over 35 years ago I had a Dodge station wagon. At some point in time the alternator or it's controller malfunctioned.
The battery under the hood, all the forward to the grill, pass. side exploded while the engine was at
idle in park.
What an absolute mess! Battery pieces & acic fluid all over. After clean up, alternator & controller replaced and a complete engine compartment detailing there was still corrosion going on and I sold the car to a auction.

Today's auto electronics may keep this from occurring but like others have said, if Ford thought it should be vented in the enclosed trunk next the the rear fuse junction box then I'm in their camp as well.

[Thunderbird 22]

What dilemma? $119 from a Ford or Lincoln dealer and mine was still going strong when I replaced it after 12 years. The only reason I replaced it is I had a Lincoln LS with the same new battery that I traded in.

i agree, i was just wondering if those optima worked, thats all. My battery is fine for now, would get a dealer one for sure....

[Rosebud]

I had a sealed battery from Sears that came with a 12 year warranty. It went bad in 6 years. My sears stor had closed and I didn't feel like driving 60 miles for a prorated new one. I got one from NAPA that is vented.