AGM in Engine Bay

Norm, my AGM is mounted under the bonnet at the front of the engine bay behind the light which would restrict airflow to some degree. On really hot days, I tend to pop the bonnet to let the engine heat dissapate faster when I'm stationary. I have thought of fitting an air scoop to direct air onto the battery area but haven't done it yet.
So far (12 months) I have not had a problem but I have some minor concerns with destroying a perfectly good battery.

Cheers

Des

Fullriver 80amp AGM HGL as starter and same as Aux under bonnet of our 80series turbo diesel for the last 2yrs , never a problem , also have same batt as a 3rd Aux in storage system in vehicle + 3 x same in /on camper trailer ,,firmly believe that the so called " heat" factor is more applicable to wet cell batts.

Yes, I'm inclined to believe "an AGM battery should not be placed in the Engine Bay" is, well, CRAP!

Just be sure they are not mounted too close to the exhaust manifold or turbo, but this is the same for any battery.

An "open" style wet cell battery would suffer more from heat as the electrolyte can evarorate.

I have buggered two auxiliary batteries but both resulted from total discharge situations and not heat.

I ran an Exide Orbital in the Jack's engine bay without problems of distortion, etc., until I ran it flat once too often.

The biggest problem you may find is that an AGM battery is bigger in footprint than an equivalent capacity wet cell deep cycle and it may not fit in a standard sized battery tray.

I have Just installed a 120 A/hr Fullriver in my Prado and unfortunately the short sides have bowed. I have spoken to the manufacture today and I need to establish the correct voltage charge and amperage going into the battery via an auto electrician to try and evaluate things. I must admit my vehicle has been reaching high temperatures due to other factors but at the time that the AGM had bowed this was irrelevant. I feel that the voltage charge is fine with the Piranah Dual battery charging system but must admit that the previous Trojan Deep cycle was always using alot of water and very messy on top, hence one of the reasons purchasing the AGM, I was also aware of the slight draw backs of the AGM batteries under the bonnet but also after reading alot of peoples post's on the matter most seemed to have no problems. My AGM battery on the prado is also not on the turbo side and the starting battery is fine, mind you this is a vented battery.

I have one of these in my Rodeo...had it in the MU and its even been overseas in a few other vehicles before I aquired it. Not AGM but sealed lead acid but its fantastic.

PC1700 Odyssey Battery 1700 amps CCA 875a 330mmx168mmx176mm

The Odyssey Superformance battery is a Zero Maintenance Sealed-Lead Acid Battery. They are Super fast recharging, superior power density, super long storage life, superior cranking power, 100% maintenance free, high vibration tolerant, non-spillable seales battery with extreme temperature performance.

Even has a steel case to protect frfom heat and damage! Supposedly a true deep-cycle and high CCA. It is my main battery and when stopped maintains a Thumper and the Engel and for short stops has never flattened.

An EXPERIENCE of an true alternative to AGM.

Matt.

Thanks for the responses guys. I had a chat with Val Rigoli from Fridge and Solar. He says he has sold a lot of AGMs that have gone in engine bays. He has only had two reports of problems. One was right next to a turbo and blew up like a balloon. The other I don't think there was and explanation (I don't remember it anyway. He reckons I should not have any problems given that it will be mounted on the opposite side to the turbo and exhaust manifold and will cover it with normal warranty.

So I bought a 90 AH (the biggest that will fit). Installed it today. It is permanently in parallel with a 120 AH AGM (almost new) in the back of the Hilux and with another 120 AH in the CT when I am towing the CT and plug in the Anderson plug.

I'll let you know if I have any problems.