Read somewhere that optima sealed batteries have to be charged a special way, not with a charger that cycles on and off. Any truth to that.
Have a regular old Craftsman charger that does 6/12 volts and trickle charges 2 amps . Will this damage the optima red top.

 

Jim , I installed a Red top Optima in my 1966 maybe 5/6 years ago & disconnect the neg terminal for the winter /hibernation, this battery has > never < been on a charger , reconnect in the spring & turn the key she starts ..........what a great battery , so dont worry about charging ,just turn the key & go ........... worked for me

The Dog

 

I have charged Optima Red Tops several times using a regular charger at 2 amp trickle rate and at 10 amps fast charge. Have had no adverse reaction to date.

 

They don't like the fast charges. 2 amp slow charge and you are good to go. I think 8 amp is limit but not sure. You can go to their web site, Google Optima battery.

 

I have a yellow top that I've let go dead a couple times (from extended sitting while connected). I've always brought it back using a simple 2 amp charger with no problems

 

2 amps is a slow charge, but is still too high to leave on forever...in that case you would need one of the special maintence chargers

 

Hi

I use a smart charger..They are designed to be used with Optima batteries.

 

The following recommendation for charging an Optima is from Batteries Are US.

1) Charge the battery a MINIMUM OF 100 amps for 15 minutes (@ 14.5+ volts)
a) Let battery and charger cool for 15 min.

2) Repeat step one at least four times - after letting battery coll 15 minutes after each charge.
3) Charge at 2-10 amps (tickle/automatic) for 24 hours minimum


When I received the one I bought from them I did step 1 once, then skipped to the slow 24 hour charge. Everything worked fine.

Over the winter the one in my C-5 ran down totally. I put it on my old 6/12 fast/slow charger on fast at first. It took about 4 or 5 hours to drop it down to a fairly low level. I then put it on slow for about 8-10 hours, tested it and it showed 13.5 volts. Put it back in and its been fine since. On my C-1 I just leave it in during the winter without any charging and it starts back up fine. This is because there is no draw at all, unlike the C-5 which has to handle about 11 computers and memories

 

OPTIMA RedTop Charging Information
The following charging methods are recommended to insure a long battery life - always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below.

RedTop Type: 34 & 34R - 34/78 - 6V - 25 & 35 - 75/25
These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep cycle applications.

Recommended charging information:
Alternator:

13.3 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
Battery Charger:

13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, 6-12 hours approximate.
Rapid Recharge:

Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below 1 amp.
Float Charge:

13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).

All limits must be strictly adhered to.
Safety Information:

Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries.
Always use a voltage regulated battery charger with limits set to the above ratings. Overcharging can cause the safety valves to open and battery gasses to escape, resulting in premature failure. These gasses are flammable! You cannot replace water in sealed batteries that have been overcharged. Any battery that becomes very hot or makes a hissing sound while recharging should be disconnected immediately.
Failure to fully charge a battery can result in poor performance and a reduction in capacity.

 

Black 63m what rate does their charger charge at. Also thanks to all who have responded. Too much money in the new battery to ruin it by doing something stupid. My charger is 10amp or 2amp and shuts off automatically when the battery is fully charged. Sounds like this will work fine if I need to charge it. Haven't gotten the car out yet as weather is moody. 28 this am and spitting snow. Oh well, I know we have some nice days coming. Again thanks to all who responded