need-for-speed

With C5, the batteries were known to leak. Many (including myself) pre-emptively replaced our batteries with a gel cell. No issues yet with my C6. However, I just had a leaker do some minor damage to my '79 Camaro, so I replaced it with a Yellow Top.

This got me thinking about my C6. I'm not looking to waste money, but I sure as hell don't want battery acid leaking.

saplumr

I'm curious why you chose the yellow over the red.

quicksilver436

On my '08, the battery has been leaking on the positive terminal since last winter. It gets the green fuzz around the terminal. I have cleaned it and applied silicone grease a couple of times. The local dealer cleaned it once. Except during the worst of the winter days here in KC, it is driven most days. Once during a long snow spell last winter, the battery did go dead. If I do not think I will be driving it for a week or so, or if it is hovering around zero, I will connect it to the Schumacher maintainer.

jpee

Why would you chose the RED over the Yellow?? I bought the YELLOW about 2.5 yrs ago... now "I" need the DEEP CYCLE because I drag race, and have an electric water pump, and after each 1/4 mile run I run the water pump, & fan on HI for app 10-15 min with the engine OFF.. sometimes I may make 10 runs in a day that = over 1 hr of running an Electric Water Pump & FAN on Hi...

It's like a Timex "Takes a Lickin, & Keeps on Tickin"...

My understanding the RED top has more CCA (cold cranking amps) well I never need it even though I live in NY and have had the car out in 20 deg temp.. but it had not been sitting for 3 weeks, but if it did the YELLOW would have started it because of its DEEP CYCLE ablity...

If you do not plan on putting a load on it for extended periods of time , yes I suppose a RED would be OK

saplumr

Weight and cca would be "my" reasons....plus the red is prettier.

RaleighTL

Green fuzz at the termal post due to "leak" in the case where the post
meets the case. Only solution = replace. Sears Platinum or Oddysey,
(who makes the Sears Plat.)

TCW

The Delco battery leaked on my C5 and did major damage. I replaced it with a DieHard.

Since the Optima batteries are getting a bad reputation for having a short lifespan and they won't take a charge using a normal battery charger, I elected to again use the DieHard in my C6. I've used these batteries for many years and have never ever had a problem with them.

Tom

need-for-speed

What jpee said

need-for-speed

I hooked mine up to a regular battery charger when I first bought it. No issues that I know of. It seemed to gain about 0.3 V from when I hooked it up. But OTOH, I do believe I recall folks saying the Battery Tender Plus was designed to work with Gel Cell (implying that there is a difference in charging equipment)

Can anyone elaborate on the differences in charging equipment for a lead / acid battery vs. a gel cell?

miami08VETTE

Similar experience minus the winter part. positive terminal leaked and ruined the positive lug and cable. Car was 34 months old. Battery and pos/neg cables replaced under warranty.

need-for-speed

O.K. - that might be enough for me to replace the battery. I want it to be a gel type.

What's the story on Optima's having a short life ?

viper62

I have had two batteries replaced under warranty do to leaking issues on my 08.

Eritosthenes

There is no objective evidence to support either of these claims. I bought my Yellow Top (on sale) about a year before my OEM Delco failed at the 39-month mark, and kept it at the ready in my garage with a Battery Tender Plus. If it wouldn't take a charge from a "normal battery charger" -- i.e. a C6 alternator -- I'd have been stranded long ago.

Vette5.5

C5's used side terminal batteries, which are known to have leakage problem's. The replacement Optima's are actually top terminal batteries that have buss bar's run around for the secondary side terminal's. All later model GM car's now use top terminal batteries, so really not much of a problem. Cases can crack on any design battery, but very rare.

need-for-speed

Thanks for the good info Viper.

jpee

I'm a "Die Hard" (No pun intended)fan of the Optima Yellow Top.. have had mine for two & a half years, and abuse the $hit out of it... sure I put it on a battery tender at home., but I got the type 34...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but to my understanding the type 78/34 and type 34 are EXACTLY the same in size. weight, and CCA etc. with the difference being the Type 34 had top mounted terminals only, and the 78/34 has two sets of terminals (Top & Side) seeing as my 05 uses the top terminals I saw no need to get the 78/34..

Also I think the Yellow & RED come in type 34 the RED has 900CCA and the Yellow has 800CCA BUT the yellow is DEEP CYCLE and it is better suited to my needs...

I would think a RED TOP would be better if you wanted to use it in VERY COLD weather etc...If 800CCA (Yellow) wont start my car, I doubt the RED would be much better...

Beside I put a large drain on the battery with the engine off....so there is where I think YELLOW has the advantage, its only disadvantage is its a few lb heavier...

need-for-speed

Thanks for the info. The one that failed in my Camaro leads from a seam close to the bottom. I noticed the Optima doesn't have a seam (except the top).

Also, sounds like some '08 s (which is what mine is) have had issues.

need-for-speed

jpee, all I know is that I never get tired of looking at that sig pic of yours

need-for-speed

When I bought the Yellow Top for my Camaro, I got the one that had both top terminals and side termianls. I didn't even need the side terminals. I guess that's just another place to leak. I didn't think about that



What Yellow Top model should I get for my C6 ?

saplumr

You definitely have the correct battery for your application. The guys that have big electronics/stereo draws also use it for durabilty at car shows.