Battery Drain Hose - Is it special?

[Guest]

Hey Fellas, quick question.

I need to replace the original vent hose on my battery - can I go to a hardware store and pick up any piece of flexible clear or black flexible tubing or do I need tubing made from a special material to resist heat/acid?

I think it's a low-stress, hardware store part, just double checking.

Thanks!

[waterman]

I don't think the battery hose is anything real special, the battery usually will come with a vinyl hose. Essentially, the hose is there in case of boil over or tip over to prevent acid from spilling everywhere. Even though they come with new hoses, I just use the one that is already installed on the bike.

I haven't upgraded to sealed batteries yet, but obviously this prevents spillover events. Eventually, my 3+ year old walmart special will give up and then I will upgrade.

[hampshirehog]

Nothing special about that hose - any of the commonly available tubing will do.

[Steve]

Just a quick service tip:

When you do upgrade to a sealed battery, clip two pieces of your vent hose, about an inch long each, and put them under the nuts on the battery terminals. This holds the nuts up so the bolts will grab them, but will deform with no problem when the bolt comes through the nut.

.

[Roostabunny]

Awesome, thanks for the confirmation fellas, and, Steve, I think I'll do that on my current battery.

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Just like they have said its nothing special, I have used the clear hose from the hardware and its never been a problem. Just ensure you have enough hose to get under the centre stand and swingarm so the gases/fluid don't damage your paint work, cheers.

[streetfighters]

I use silicone aquarium tubing. Holds up pretty well and is more flexable so it does not kink in the cold weather.
streetfighters