NA MX5 Panasonic battery question

[BRGNA8]

Hey guys

I was able to get my hands on a brand new OEM Panasonic battery as I don't really know when the last time the battery in my car was changed and felt like it wasn't starting as well as before.

Just curiously though, there seems to be two nipples on the left and right of the battery, just above the terminals. I feel like its meant to connect up to some sort of hose but I can't seem to find anything in the boot area which hook up to this? Is it okay to leave it exposed?

Heres the pic for reference

http://www.digitalse7en.co.uk/blogger/blogg_picture-050207-02.jpg

[Demon I Am]

there should be a y-shaped tube that connects to either side of the battery, and then to a nipple connected to the trunk floor. This allows the battery to outgass without building up fumes in the trunk/cabin. You should be able to make one, or find one for nearly free from anyone parting out a Miata

[revlimiter]

I think, I'm not sure, but I THINK that the later Panasonic Miata batteries were regular flooded cell units. They weren't the AGM batteries that Mazda originally put in the cars.

Again, I think this is right. I remember reading it a few places. So you might see if those square caps on the top pop off and reveal traditional wet cells.

[Fishbulb]

Sorry, not seeing the proper link on imgur.

The hose looks like what is in this pic. I replaced the OEM hoses with rubber lines to fit the battery nipple better.

http://i.imgur.com/hKwtTAF.jpg

[BRGNA8]

there should be a y-shaped tube that connects to either side of the battery, and then to a nipple connected to the trunk floor. This allows the battery to outgass without building up fumes in the trunk/cabin. You should be able to make one, or find one for nearly free from anyone parting out a Miata

Ah so it's just a T-piece or a Y piece tube, three tubes connecting from each side to the piece and then just hooked up to the nipple on the trunk floor? Is that nipple already there on the trunk floor?


I think, I'm not sure, but I THINK that the later Panasonic Miata batteries were regular flooded cell units. They weren't the AGM batteries that Mazda originally put in the cars.

Again, I think this is right. I remember reading it a few places. So you might see if those square caps on the top pop off and reveal traditional wet cells.

I really dont know that much about batteries but the battery which is currently in my NA8 is a wet cell? As this is what it said on the sticker? I read about the fumes and the need to vent, hence why I opted to get a genuine panasonic OEM battery. Im sure there are other better options out there but I've heard these are meant to last a long time?


Sorry, not seeing the proper link on imgur.

The hose looks like what is in this pic. I replaced the OEM hoses with rubber lines to fit the battery nipple better.

http://imgur.com/a/tJG7e

Ah great thanks for that. So looking at that, it seems like its a T piece with rubber hose going in on each end from the battery nipples, then the one rubber hose going to the trunk floor nipple?

[BRGNA8]

Also, what is the inner diameter of the rubber hose you used?

[Rogue]

I only use AGM batteries in the trunk, after having a replacement Mazda battery explode in my trunk.
Dealer installed replacements ceased to be AGM at some point.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o756/RogueRace/Miata%20Solutions/Mazda%20battery%20go%20Boom_zpsgwceebyt.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/RogueRace/media/Miata%20Solutions/Mazda%20battery%20go%20Boom_zpsgwceebyt.jpg.html)

[Agent☣Orange]

Could've been different for Australia too. Who knows? I'd still look for a lightweight AGM battery but if that wet cell is going to go in, definitely connect drain tubes. There should be a nipple connection on the floor. Even if it's not draining fluid, which in normal use it shouldn't, you still don't want hydrogen gas buildup in the trunk.

[Fishbulb]

Sorry, i really don't know. Went down to the misc. box of vacuum hoses and grabbed something that looked right!

When I get home I can take a look see if there is anything on the outside giving a hint of the I.D.

[Dandy]

This may be a good time to mention this discussion on batteries for the Miata: http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?11236-Miata-Battery-suggestion

There are very few actual manufacturers of batteries for our cars but many brands.

[BRGNA8]

Thanks everyone who contributed! Have installed the battery and everythings good to go.
Had to use a 4mm I.D vacuum hose with a T-piece to put on the nipples of the battery as the battery the car had previously didn't seem to have any of this.

It was a bit larger too but who knows how long it's been there for. The car now cranks and starts very nicely. However, I think I might invest in a thicker ground.

Old battery.

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg506/realityfromwords/2016/IMAG2527.jpg

Genuine OEM Battery Part number.

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg506/realityfromwords/2016/IMAG2528.jpg

Old vs New comparison.

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg506/realityfromwords/2016/IMAG2529.jpg

Installed

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg506/realityfromwords/2016/IMAG2531.jpg

What I used to get the bolt off from the negative terminal. 10mm deep socket and a longass extension haha!

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg506/realityfromwords/2016/IMAG2532.jpg