Red top Optima batteries
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Red top Optima batteries
Got an e-mail from Optima Batteries today answering the question: "Have you experienced any thermal runaways with your Red Top Battery?" Here is their answer, " YES, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THERMAL RUNAWAYS DUE TO THE BATTERY VOLTAGE
DROPPING BELOW ZERO VOLTS CAUSING THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE TO INCREASE AND
MELTING THE CASING OF THE BATTERY"
So, if you don't let the voltage drop below zero, it should be okay. In our aircraft, we have a sensor around the battery that warns of a thermal runaway. We just disconnect from the system.
Just thought you'd like to know. At least they were up front about it. :rolleyes:
DROPPING BELOW ZERO VOLTS CAUSING THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE TO INCREASE AND
MELTING THE CASING OF THE BATTERY"
So, if you don't let the voltage drop below zero, it should be okay. In our aircraft, we have a sensor around the battery that warns of a thermal runaway. We just disconnect from the system.
Just thought you'd like to know. At least they were up front about it. :rolleyes:
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 42,934
Likes: 18
From: Sydney, Australia
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17, '22
Re: Red top Optima batteries (dbwade36)
Thanks for the info. I use Optima Red Top and that is good to know.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 568
Likes: 12
From: Jacksonville Florida
Re: Red top Optima batteries (Red 90 L98 Coupe)
My understanding is that it drops to zero due to an internal short. Internal current flow goes through the roof, resulting in an electron stampede. Massive heat is generated, melting the battery.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix AZ
Re: Red top Optima batteries (Strick)
Got one in mine, too. So what you are saying is that some of these batteries have an internal defect that can just suddenly cause what you are describing without any specific conditions imposed upon it?
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Red top Optima batteries (vetracer)
Seems like a risky deal. But my son's Optima has been great. Guess I'll hold off for now. I've waited 30 years for this Vette and I'm not about to risk a battery melt down. Now if I had a "battery eject button............." :skep:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 1
From: Wichita KS
Re: Red top Optima batteries (Strick)
Hope mine never hits zero... its mounted in the passenger side storage compartment. Never had an ounce of trouble with that battery in two years.
Thanks for the heads up though!
Thanks for the heads up though!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Red top Optima batteries (Southern Comfort)
Prop! What's a prop? You must be older than me. I'm a turbine guy. No carb heat needed. :lolg: :lol: :rofl: oh,props, that's something on a boat. :yesnod:
[Modified by Strick, 8:40 PM 8/22/2003]
[Modified by Strick, 8:40 PM 8/22/2003]
