recharging Optima batteries

[miketyler]

I bought a red top Optima from a guy yesterday who had probs with this battery. The battery wouldn't stay charged for him. He claimed the car he had it in didn't get driven much. His engine had a very small crank pulley that reduced the alternator RPM at idle.

Anyhow, I got into this dirt cheap and its held a charge overnight. I have read that the Optimas require a special charger to properly deep cycle them. Also have read where guys have brought Optimas back from the dead by connecting a conventional battery to them (+ to +, - to -) overnight, and then follow with conventional charging with a batt charger.

I'm not having issues yet but was wondering what the skinny was on these and what members experiences have been. I have heard these are super batts and can last 10 years when properly maintained.

I appreciate your comments
MRT   

[Chryco Psycho]

I have had 2 Optimas , 1 has been in my truck since 95 & still works well
 these batterys are indestructable , & work just like eny other battery , the Only no no is to let them sit , they have to be trickle chargered every 2 months or so if they sit too long they Crust over inside sometimes you can cherge them hard & break the crusting or just use it in your daily driver for a  while & see if it  works , sounds like yours is not totally screwed yet if it still holds a charge

[N96cuda]

I had problems with a red top one in my seldom driven Cobra. Swapped it for a yellow top and has worked flawlessly ever since.

[4drbrnko]

Scary, I just smoked a redtop trying to bring it back to life, no fault of the Optima, it had been sitting too long and fully drained.There may be hope for the yellow that was in with it tho, haden't heard of the leaching trick off another battery maybe I'll give that a shot on the yellow.
I still swear by the Optimas, but just like any other battery, you have to keep them charged.