optima question

NecroWolf

NecroWolf

lost marbles member
is anybody else having issues with optimas or is it just me? i went through three last summer. i know one was my fault because it cracked while i was charging it, but the other 2 dicharged just sitting and would come back up and stay. one of them i tried to straight jump with some heavy duty cables and i started smelling something like i boiled the battery out. so am i just not optima friendly or are they not the battery to use while you build the truck and it sits alot?
 
dgoodhue

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: optima question

I have found that my Redtops when dead won't take a charge when doing a normal or tickle battery charging. However, if I charge them on the high current (60A)/starter charge for a couple of minutes, then I charge them normally they seem to work fine.

I now disconnect my battery completely from the system when my truck sits for periods of time longer than a couple of weeks. I went through seemingly a battery per year before doing this.

DaveP mentions in this thread in a little more depth about it.
http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=66132&highlight=battery+charg*
 
GAShan

GAShan

Donating Member
Re: optima question

I do car electrical/electronics for a living and have had nothing but trouble with Optimas since they began selling them.
 
dBaseD

dBaseD

New member
Re: optima question

Red tops are not designed to _ever_ be discharged fully. They are utter crap. 2-3 discharges to 20% and they cant hold a charge anymore.

Yellow top Optimas on the other hand aren't too bad. still not worth the exorbitant price, but not utter garbage like the reds IMO.

-Jason
 
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nastety92

New member
Re: optima question

I have had problems in the past with my yellow top Optimas when I was not killing the power to them. Now that I kill all power going to my Optima red top I havent had a problem in the last 2-3 years.
I would say they cannot be left without being used ever day unless you are killing the power to them.
I run a engine/ power cut off switch which is required at my local track to run it.
Hope this helps at all.

Nick
 
TYHOGG

TYHOGG

Active member
Re: optima question

Left mine unhooked in the back of the truck for a year and a half. Connected it and the truck fired right up. Knock on wood I haven't had any problems yet.
 
NecroWolf

NecroWolf

lost marbles member
Re: optima question

hmm well lit looks like it isn't just me. i know we use them for some of our equiptment in the service and don't seem to get much luck with them but as i always say soldiers can break anything.
 
S

sycam_steve

New member
Re: optima question

You need to hook up a CTEK battery charger it has a setting for Optima batteries.

http://www.ctek.com/EN-US/Buy-US-Charger.aspx

This will keep a trickle charge in the Optima so it will not completely discharge.

I have the model MULTI US 3300 and my redtop has lasted 4 years eventhough with Chicago winter I drive my Truck only 6 months out of the year.
 
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Captain Morgan

Moderated User
Re: optima question

who completely discharges their battery anyway under normal use? Fact is they fail while in use, charged, red top, yellow top, they are all GARBAGE!
 
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Ty 1662

New member
Re: optima question

don't drive my typhoon much. had a red top a couple of years ago and had similar problems. took it back to advanced auto and got a regular battery (with a warranty) & it works better. probably won't ever buy one again.
bret
 
G

gary sy

New member
Re: optima question

i have had alot of batteries too all kinds you name it now i have a deep cycle marine batt with a tricle charger if i dont drive it for a week i plug it in. also i have a battery cut off switch so no drain also for security the switch is hidden.
 
4C FED

4C FED

Absolutum Dominium
Re: optima question

I have a 6 year old red top.
It started out in my truck. 3-4 years ago when the battery in my boat died, I swapped in the Optima.
 
blazinmt

blazinmt

New member
Re: optima question

I have a yellow top that has been in three vehicles and gets completely drained every winter because I am too lazy to buy a trickle charger. And it is in my bagged blazer (the compressors draw about 20 amps a piece I think). I must have got really lucky because this battery just won't die. I jumpstart it every spring, drive it a round the block and it is back in the game!
 
BoostedSUV

BoostedSUV

Active member
Re: optima question

I will chime in on this as well.... I have an optima red top in my El Camino that is hardly driven and in my racecars. They are garbage! Once they go dead they're done and never come back and hold a full charge. I've gone through 3 already in my El Camino just from sitting it goes dead after 3 months then it wont hold a charge for more than few days after I "bring it back" Total Garbage!
 
1madgumby

1madgumby

New member
Re: optima question

Optima got bought out by Johnson controls & the batteries have not ever been as good. I had trouble with mine also.
 
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syty9933

New member
Re: optima question

i bought a cheap one from costco. Started her right up when i got home. Ive turned my lights on serval times for over 10 mintues messin with clear corners and pillar pod lights. Super cheap, looks very clean , and has been workin great. People should try there!
 
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