Just changed 2 batteries-have some information
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
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From: prescott AZ
Just changed 2 batteries-have some information
Wanted to put an Optima in my "new" 95 since its 5 year old AC Delco started with 14.9 volts on the alt.meter then would go to 14.3.When I got it out I could not see "green" in the glass window like there should be. The Optima Red Top , at Costco for $103, almost fit except that the positive post was touching a metal brace. I figured with vibration it would wear out the protective cap that is over the post on the battery and either short something or else it would loosen something in the battery. I put a Die Hard in its place.I then tried the Optima in my 88 (with cruise control( and it fit perfectly. Seems the 88 Z51 does not have this brace which I think really is a support bracket for the 95s cruise control and computer. I did have to use a chisel to cut off 1/4" of a little tab in the battery tray.Also installed a battery disconnect switch for the 95. I found that if the battery isconnect that after 2or 3 weeks it needs a charge and loses about 50 to 75% of its charge. When disconnected it will remain at full charge for months.
It only took about half hour the change the battery. Next is 2 anti-freeze changes and 1 diff change.
It only took about half hour the change the battery. Next is 2 anti-freeze changes and 1 diff change.
Elite Torch Red Member
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
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Re: Just changed 2 batteries-have some information (skeet)
With the Optima, most will just take a hacksaw and cut off the top post since in our vettes, it isn't being used.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
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From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Just changed 2 batteries-have some information (skeet)
......... 5 year old AC Delco started with 14.9 volts on the alt.meter then would go 14.3 volts............ I could not see "green" in the glass................
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a Gold Die Hard batt. I just replaced the Die Hard in my truck after nine years, and it was still strong. I replaced it only because it was a year past warranty, and I don't wait for a batt to fail. As for the "green"light, I never did see that light for nine years in my truck batt.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
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From: prescott AZ
Re: Just changed 2 batteries-have some information (Oldman)
Mojo- I seem to remember that some members here ruined their battery by cutting off this battery post. Also I do not think that if I had a problem with the battery later the dealer would honor the warrantee since it was modified.
On my 88 and my old 85 I never saw 14.9 volts, most I ever saw was 14.3 and then it went down to 13.8 The AC Delco with the "green" eye (it is an indicator on top of the battery that is supposed to tell if the battery is good) on my Saturn did not show green when I looked at it, a week later the battery died.
When you say you did not see the "green" light for 9 years on your truck battery- were you looking for it on a Die Hard battery?? If so, no wonder you never saw it- it is only on the AC Delco battery. I have had several AC Delcos and when the "green light indicator"
on the battery failed to show the battery died shortly after.
The only thing I really do not like about the Die Hard is that now it is made in Mexico.
On my 88 and my old 85 I never saw 14.9 volts, most I ever saw was 14.3 and then it went down to 13.8 The AC Delco with the "green" eye (it is an indicator on top of the battery that is supposed to tell if the battery is good) on my Saturn did not show green when I looked at it, a week later the battery died.
When you say you did not see the "green" light for 9 years on your truck battery- were you looking for it on a Die Hard battery?? If so, no wonder you never saw it- it is only on the AC Delco battery. I have had several AC Delcos and when the "green light indicator"
on the battery failed to show the battery died shortly after.
The only thing I really do not like about the Die Hard is that now it is made in Mexico.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
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From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Just changed 2 batteries-have some information (skeet)
......... When you say you did not see the "green" light for 9 years on your truck battery- were you looking for it on a Die Hard battery?? If so, no wonder you never saw it- it is only on the AC Delco battery.........
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: prescott AZ
Re: Just changed 2 batteries-have some information (Oldman)
Oldman - I don't mind being refuted at all and when I am wrong I look forward to being corrected. Having owned Die Hard batteries starting back maybe at least 30 years I never had a Die Hard that had the green light indicator. I was under the impression that this was a patented feature that only the AC Delco batteries had. Maybe somebody here can shed some (green0 light on the subject. I am 99.9 % sure Die Hard never had this fiber optic type indicator built into the battery top. Anybody here see it on a Die Hard??
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
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From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Just changed 2 batteries-have some information (skeet)
If you will pay for the shipping, I will send the old batt to you so you can see for your self. It still has a good "punch" left...................... :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Sydney, Australia
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Re: Just changed 2 batteries-have some information (skeet)
Anybody here see it on a Die Hard??
[Modified by Red 90 L98 Coupe, 1:59 PM 2/23/2003]
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
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From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Just changed 2 batteries-have some information (Red 90 L98 Coupe)
[QUOTE].It is around five years old and I am wondering if I should change it soon.[QUOTE]
Red 90 L98 Coupe, my Gold Die Hard lasted over 9 years (8 year warranty) in my daily driver pick-up truck. It was still performing perfectly when I replaced it. I don't want to be the one to cause you to be stranded with a dead batt, but if your batt is a Gold Die Hard, and there are no symptoms of failing, give it some more time. You probably have two or three years left on the warranty. ( you must be a major attraction in Australia with that red vette ) :cheers:
Red 90 L98 Coupe, my Gold Die Hard lasted over 9 years (8 year warranty) in my daily driver pick-up truck. It was still performing perfectly when I replaced it. I don't want to be the one to cause you to be stranded with a dead batt, but if your batt is a Gold Die Hard, and there are no symptoms of failing, give it some more time. You probably have two or three years left on the warranty. ( you must be a major attraction in Australia with that red vette ) :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
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From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: Just changed 2 batteries-have some information (skeet)
Last year I put in a $29.00 economy battery. I used to have voltage problems which caused me to use that new battery, but once I upgraded the alternator, I have had no problems at all.
Basically, the car would idle between 10-13v depending on engine fan and AC operations, worse with headlights. Now it satys at 13.8-14.2 no matter what is on, and the battery always starts the car strongly.
So...the point of the story is...use a better alternator and don't worry about battery failure. The logic is that when the battery is always fully charged, it won't fail, and constant voltage cycling causes failure. Superior battery quality is a bunch of BS to get you to waste money... unless you buy batteries from NASA or something.
Basically, the car would idle between 10-13v depending on engine fan and AC operations, worse with headlights. Now it satys at 13.8-14.2 no matter what is on, and the battery always starts the car strongly.
So...the point of the story is...use a better alternator and don't worry about battery failure. The logic is that when the battery is always fully charged, it won't fail, and constant voltage cycling causes failure. Superior battery quality is a bunch of BS to get you to waste money... unless you buy batteries from NASA or something.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
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From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
Re: Just changed 2 batteries-have some information (skeet)
Just a note on the green window,
It is only an indicator of that particular cell which it is over that you are seeing. It is VERY possible to have another cell bad and still show the green indicator.
In a very recent experience I had with Exide I would never buy one of theirs again and in no way will I suggest anyone do so either !
Had a lot of trouble (a lot of $$$) trying to figure out that I had a couple of bad ones in a row.
I have allways used Diehards and this time I wanted to save $10. Turned out to be a very exspensive lesson. About $200 worth. I bought it at BJ's to save a few bucks. It is a royal pain to have to remove it everytime I need to bring it back. Just go to Sears, if it goes bad just go to any Sears all over the country and get it fixed .
It is only an indicator of that particular cell which it is over that you are seeing. It is VERY possible to have another cell bad and still show the green indicator.
In a very recent experience I had with Exide I would never buy one of theirs again and in no way will I suggest anyone do so either !
Had a lot of trouble (a lot of $$$) trying to figure out that I had a couple of bad ones in a row.
I have allways used Diehards and this time I wanted to save $10. Turned out to be a very exspensive lesson. About $200 worth. I bought it at BJ's to save a few bucks. It is a royal pain to have to remove it everytime I need to bring it back. Just go to Sears, if it goes bad just go to any Sears all over the country and get it fixed .
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1
From: prescott AZ
Re: Just changed 2 batteries-have some information (corvette-pilot)
Oldman - If you saw the green window on your Die Hard then I must be wrong. It bothers me when I was sure of something and I am wrong.
