Club 80-90 Forums

There is a large empty space behind the rear nearside light cluster, inside the engine compartment. I'd like to move my leisure battery there, to free up a lot of space underneath the rear passenger seat where it currently lives.

Has anyone done this? What batteries will fit? How can I hold it securely in place?

Many thanks

VW do it with the diesel versions.
be careful with your back when fitting it

kevtherev wrote:VW do it with the diesel versions.

How is it held in place? It's only an empty space with no bolts, clamps or anything.

dunno never seen one.. I guess someone has one though

I did think of doing that when i recently bought my leisure battery. I ended up putting it under the back seat area/rock'n'roll bed. I was told that space in the engine was prone to rust as water dripped down from the ventilation grills above. They were right I've just had the whole box area re welded. it had a huge rusty hole in it.

Dave/Hammy

Hi you can fit it there the diesels fit in the same place ,it may get some drips on it but it should not be a prob ( batt are fitted in front of most car and they get certain amount of drips etc ! ) all bays are fitted in back as well but those areas do rust out !! i know as ive repaired a few of them!! all you have to do is fit some form of clamp to stop battory moving /fit earth strap to body and then you can take your live feed off (via fuse !!) and you are away !! ( drill through plate to bolt earth strap clean metal up to get good contact /smear copper grease and fit nut and bolt dap some paint on top to seal! as for the battory clamp drill through plate make suitable clamp/buy/find !! work out position before drilling!!! longbolt from underneath with washer /washer on top then nut this will lock that bolt in place ready for your battory clamp/ place batt drop clamp over bolt silde to wedge batt and tighten job done ( you can weld a nut in place best way if you have welder or freind with one ! ) its fiddly be not that hard hope you sort it !Paul

tell me if I'm wrong about this but... surely if you're putting a battery in the engine compartment it makes more sense for that to be the starter battery? won't it be nearer the starter motor and thus need a shorter wire (lower resistance = higher voltage = better starting)

ambivert wrote:tell me if I'm wrong about this but... surely if you're putting a battery in the engine compartment it makes more sense for that to be the starter battery? won't it be nearer the starter motor and thus need a shorter wire (lower resistance = higher voltage = better starting)

I agree

I was going to do the same but then

I had some things like brakes to fix

Why did VW only put starter batteries for diesels in the engine bay?
Strikes me as the most obvious place for all types - shorter wire runs, out of the way, etc.
Can't be the cold or fire risk, so why?

i agree guys dont seem to make much sense does it longer run etc !!

It takes more cold cranking amps to turn a diesel engine over.so its better to have the battery closer to the engine.well thats my understanding of it.anyway..

Why did VW only put starter batteries for diesels in the engine bay?