Whenever I see this subject come up it makes me wonder. Millions of VWs
over the years have been made with the battery in the passenger
compartment without being sealed up or vented to the outside. This
includes most Vanagons. As far as I have seen it is only the Westy
models that have sealed and vented battery compartments. I believe this
is done as a fire safety precaution as Campers are expected to have open
flames in them during cooking. The gas given off by batteries is
explosive, no doubt. The battery itself contains toxic materials, no
doubt. If the batteries are giving off "highly toxic" gases, why is this
not a problem in all the other VWs?

Mark

Bill Davidson wrote:
>
> > I've noticed hot air coming from where the battery is located behind
> > the passenger seat. Any way to stop this or anything to worry about?
> > Thanks for any helpful advice,
> > Rick
> > 85 Westie
>
> Rick...
> under what circumstances? driving or just sitting there?
>
> In either case, it means your battery box is not sealed as it is supposed to
> be... that means you could be getting a lung full of the toxics that are
> gassed off when the battery is charging... seal it.
>
> Bill