I need to get a new battery and in reading the manual, it talks about the vent tube being very important. Is this tube for draining the battery or the battery housing? Why would the battery need to drain?

In regards to a new battery, can a different brand of battery be used in a 2000 500 auto?

Anyone else replaced a battery in less than two years?

Thanks for any replies!

 

The vent tube is to disperse the hydrogen gas that is created when the battery is being charged and also to let any excess acid drain and not come into contact with the frame and causing corrosion.

Due to the battery size they will go bad if they are exposed to freezing temps for extended periods of time. Also the rough riding will affect them because rough riding caused the sediment to slosh around and will sometimes short out the plates.

 

minehunter, thanks for the quick response!

Do all ATV batteries come with the drain connector for the drain tube, or do I have to buy an Arctic-Cat specific battery?

 

Every M/C and ATV battery I have ever seen all have vent nipples on them. If it will fit in the space provided and the polarity is observed, it should work just fine. Good Luck.

 

I got new a battery from AutoZone last night. The old one was dead. The new battery is about a quarter inch taller than the old one, but with a little bending of the battery bracket, it fits nicely. The dealer wanted $60 for a battery, the one I got was $29. I can handle a bent bracket for half the price!