Optima Batteries

[73Chally]

So what do people tend to get for longevity out of an Optima battery?  I've had a Red Top for a little over 5 years, but in the past couple months it seems like it's going down hill.  Recently I went out to start the car after sitting for about 3 weeks, and it was deader than a doornail.  In the past it has sat for up to 2 months and fired right up.  When I got it running, again, it was only showing about 12.5 volts at idle, but after running it a bit, the next day it was showing 13.5.  The problem now is that it seems weaker, and it seems like it is about ready to crap out after a couple cranks if it doesn't catch right away.

Does it sound like I need a new battery?  I don't want to get stranded out and about if the engine doesn't catch right away.

Any recommendations?  I expected better out of Optima, or could it be something to do with the alternator?

[GranCuda1970]

I bought a optima back in 2005 ran it in the barracuda before the teardown has been sitting since 2008, I just used it to test my heater blower motor and it still had charge.

[Chryco Psycho]

I think the key is to use them everyday & not let them sit , I had mine for 13 years before it quit .I would check for a draw to see if it is draining the battery while sitting or install & battery disconnect & shut the battery out of the circuit when sitting

[Topcat]

I recommend you get this charger for it during the off use months.


12V CHARGER CTEK US3300 
CHG0043 (ACHG0043)  Interstate p/n.

Warranty  5 Year Free w/Receipt 
 
 Features/Benefits  IDEAL FOR OPTIMA RED TOP  
 
 Notes  IDEAL FOR LAWN TRACTORS ,MOTORCYCLES,CARS,AND RV'S DESIGNED TO CHARGE SEALED AGM AND MOST GEL BATTERIES MULTISTAGE CHARGING W/SPARK,SHORT CIRCUIT &REVERSE-POLARITY PROTECTION 

As like any other type of battery: If it sits more than 45 days without use, put a smart charger on it.
AGM's don't sulfate, but they do need to be kept at optimum Volts/A/H's.   

[73Chally]

I need to look into the smart chargers.  Do you think this battery should still be okay?

[GranCuda1970]

Yeah, I need to invest in a battery tender. I am eventually going to buy the system.

[Topcat]

I need to look into the smart chargers.  Do you think this battery should still be okay?

Get it load tested at your nearest Interstate dealer. Their load testers give a print out after test is completed.
While there, address your questions, check out the CTEK.

[brads70]

Yeah, I need to invest in a battery tender. I am eventually going to buy the system.

I have one. It was like $30 ? I swap it around between lawn tractor batteries and car batteries, every couple of weeks in the winter. Works great! 

[Topcat]

Some good info about Optima's.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/product_support/faqs.php

[73Chally]

Has anyone tried the Battery Tender (Jr) that I see advertised on My Classic Car all the time?  Are there any issues with these working with the Optima batteries?

[brads70]

Has anyone tried the Battery Tender (Jr) that I see advertised on My Classic Car all the time?  Are there any issues with these working with the Optima batteries?

This is what I use.... works great so far! 

[Topcat]

Has anyone tried the Battery Tender (Jr) that I see advertised on My Classic Car all the time?  Are there any issues with these working with the Optima batteries?

Those are good battery chargers too. I sell those.

Yes and you can use any charger on an OPTIMA as long as the voltage is regulated properly. If your charger will remain on indefinitely, the voltage should be at 13.8 volts maximum with a one amp maximum current.