Optima Battery
Submitted: Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:16
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Bob of KAOS
My yellow Optima started playing up during the week. Even after a charge it failed to register more than 11.5 volts. When left connected to the cranking battery all day it managed to flatten it, necessitating the use of jumper leads.
I took it back to place of purchase and they charged it overnight, and noted that one cell became very hot.
The sticker on the side says purchased 6 April 2001, so just under 8 yrs old. It has been roundly abused throughout its life.
I reckon if you get twice the mileage of a conventional battery, the premium price becomes very reasonable.
The cranking battery is a red optima about six years old. I wonder how much longer it will last, and will it die when I least want it to.
What sort of life have others had from their deep cycle batteries?
Reply By: Rockape - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:57
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:57
I have the same setup as you, and yes the red top will fail when you least want it to, the good part is, the yellow top can also start your engine.
My yellow top is over 8yrs old and still going strong but it must die one day.
Have a good one.
AnswerID:
358021
Reply By: Maîneÿ [wa] - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 18:08
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 18:08
My $170 Delkor was replaced at almost 8 years, only because I did not want it to die on me on a winter trip away, probably would have if I took it, so it was replaced for the sake of peace of mind.
When you keep them maintained correctly they tend to last, my point is some exorbitantly expensive batteries will not be a lot more effective than some of the excellent quality and lesser priced alternatives when comparing their high price verses useful life span.
Mainey . . .
AnswerID:
358043
Reply By: Member - Paul W- Esq (VIC) - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 19:55
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 19:55
I fitted 2 optima yellow tops to my cruiser in march 2004, so just over 5 years and still going strong,hopefully for a good few years! i think i would be happy with 8 out of them.
AnswerID:
358060
Reply By: Member - Porl - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 21:43
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 21:43
My yellow top is 2002, still fine, not a huge amount of use but I use down to discharge when I do.
Now the Century diesel N70ZZ or whatever it is I bought and put into storage last year is not fully charging and I have bought a hydrometer and now to confirm the obvious that one cell is kaput, now WTF what did i do with that damn receipt ...
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358080
Reply By: Richard W (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 05, 2009 at 05:50
Sunday, Apr 05, 2009 at 05:50
Had a cell fail in my original yellow top after 2.5 years. Replaced at a discount as it was just out of warranty.
The replacement is still going strong after 5.5 years.
AnswerID:
358116