A replacement battery for your 2003 Jaguar xj8 the old battery had a vent hose attached any new battery you can find does not can you proceed with out one?

Answer 1

Batteries should not be used in sealed containers. If the manufacturer put a vent hose on your battery get up, you should assume the air flow in the region is not sufficient to exhaust the explosive hydrogen and oxygen that are associated with charge and discharge.

To properly vent hydrogen isn't a big deal, you just need a way to move air.

Since you are not worried about the temperature of the battery, I would suggest a pair of tubes, and use the heat of the engine to push the air around (AKA up). One tube inside the engine bay, that connects to the bottom of the battery box. Another that connects to the top of the box, and goes directly outside. By exausting the fumes away from the hot engine, you also keep them from exploding on contact with such things as a manifold.

Here is an in depth discussion on Hydrogen Gas Venting from Battery Banks.

http://www.bdbatteries.com/hydrogenventing.php

And here is a link to several battery boxes you could easily attach some tubing to.

http://www.bdbatteries.com/batteryboxes.php