I've read alot of the threads on batteries, re: leaking onto the computer electronics underneath, etc. I've also read that this was a problem on early C5s, and that ACDelco fixed the problem of leaking (although some say it re-occured in '04-'05).

I have a later model '01 Vette (according to the VIN numbering). I don't know if this is the original battery or not. It reads ACDelco ACD 75-60. Is this one of the leaker prone batteries or not? If so, from what I've read, I'll probably switch to an Excide Orbital. I don't want to spend the $ if it's not neccessary. Any advice?

David

 

Damn your battery is 5 years old, I would change it whether it was prone to leaking or not. Batteries can die without any warning, I'd rather not risk it with a battery that old.

Many opinions on batteries, I prefer Optima (which I have in my Z06)but I am also running an Excide in my 96 Imapala SS.

 

As I said, I don't know if this is the original battery or not. I'm not the original owner.

David

 

What is the expiration date on it, that should give you a clue.

#Edit...I meant the month and year of purchase, it is usually on a sticker on the top of the battery.

 

 

Anything over 4 years old I would highly suggest changing it.

 

Optima Yellow Top here!

 

Nothing there. It reads ACDelco ACD 75-60. Serial # 48590. That's it.

David

 

Youre going to get 1000 different opinions on this subject, like you said there are a lot of Threads out there. I too have an 01 with the original AGM battery..so far so good, but I will be changing it after winter (it's on the Tender now just to play it safe). I will most likely just go with another Delco batttery..
I have seen all the Hype on the Redtop/Yellow Top and many claimed they are the Cat's azz of batteries, but then you'll find just as many that say if you leave your car sit for a few weeks the Redtops give out

good luck with your selection

 

There might also be a manufactured date code stamped (sort of looks like it is either etched or hot stamped) on the top of the battery (near the post area). It can be difficult to see sometimes.

For ACDelco, the first digit is year (e.g. 1=2001, the 2nd letter the month, skipping the letter ' i ' (e.g. a=January).

By the way, the 75-60 WERE the problem model number (same one leaked immediately after removal from our 2000 TransAm after it died).

ACDelco now numbers their batteries with a ' yr ' suffix (e.g. 75-5yr), which hopefully means they addressed the leaking problems.

Also, chances are your battery IS NOT an original, as I believe GM started using the AGM batteries in 2001, and the model number would have a ' P ' if it were an AGM (e.g. 75P-6yr). BTW, don't think ACDelco AGM's are available any more.

Based on your batteries model number, it may have been switched before you bought it or replaced early on in the car's life.

Either way, for peace-of-mind, spend the $'s and just put in a new battery (ACDelco - 75-6yr or 78-6yr or 7yr's-- do a search for my posts, I recently clarified either may work), or some other 'maintenance free' battery in it and breath easy (beware not all batteries are 'maintenance free' and 'maintenance free' means slightly different and better chemistry).

Also be careful to not over torque the terminals (manual calls for only 11 lb/ft -- and only 13 lb/ft for the battery hold down bolt). That's not very much torque and very easy to exceed (which may be part of the leakage problems).

 

There are only 3 major manufacturers of batteries that other vendors slap their names on. Therefore, a Costco battery is $39, I believe, and will do just as well as a name brand battery. Of course, battery technologies differ, but I'm talking about standard batteries.

I've had a Costco battery in mine for over a year now. The only problem I had was when my wife drove it to the local sports club, and left the key in the ignition with the it in the ON position!

At least she locked the doors!

Needless to say, the battery drained, and when I came to jumpstart the car that evening (it was probably still there because no one could start it to steal it!), even after driving it home with the lights on, it was fine again, and I only live 7 miles from the club.

 

Here's what an original 2001 AGM battery looks like. I have nothing but praise for this battery, as it is still firing up the LS1 like the day it was new. This May, the battery will be 5 years old. Some AGMs in other vehicles have lasted 10 years, so don't assume that 5 years is the limit.

 

I have the Optima Red Top in my car for over 2 years and when we modded my car last year it sat without a tender on it and my car fired right up when needed. My 99 model had the orginal in it for 5 years before going dead and that is when I went to the Optima

 

Get an Optima Red Top!

 

 

Hi yechi7 -

If it is putting out at least 12.7 volts it is ok.

Usually, I notice a few "quirky" starts - like the starter dragging etc - the battery sometimes warns me when it is about to go south.

This did not happen on my Z06, though. It went dead instantly with no forewarning.

Your battery will be 5 years old this summer. That's a good ripe old age for a battery. I have a 2000 K3500 and it's battery is still ticking.

How much will you save by waiting, compared to how much it'll cost you if it dies on the road? Just a consideration.

best regards -

mqqn

 

Firstly, thanks to all you battery experts.

But Admiral94: I'm a little confused. I read some of your other posts, which are very informative. But what I don't understand is this:

1) Why recommend ACDelco - 75-6yr or 78-6yr or 7yr's, if, as you said previously, they don't make AGMs anymore? Isn't it the AGM feature that is desirable?

2) You said in another thread: "Lastly, if you do replace the battery, remember 'maintenance free' batteries have a different chemistry, some nice advantages, and a higher charging rate, to which GM cars are supose to be matched. Many batteries ARE NOT 'Maintenance Free', so choose carefully (ACDelco and Sears Gold ARE, the Exides I looked at were not)."

Are the Sears DieHards of the leak free type?

Also, I've read that many people were very positive on Exide Orbital, more consistantly so than with Optima & ACDelco. If the Exide Orbital ARE NOT 'Maintenance Free', why is everyone running to them?

And finally, which is more important: AGM, Leak Free, or Maintenance Free?

David

 

It reads 13.3 volts. But my concern is more on the leak potential onto the computer electronics underneath, not as much about the life of the battery.

David

 

Don't know much about the Excide Orbital battery. I have a Red Top that has been in the car for a little over four years. No problems really, except that if you leave the car sit for a long time without a tender on it, it will go down. Haven't had any issues with recharging so far.

 

Not to hijack this thread, or anything, but a friend of mine just asked me if he needs to get some kind of mounting adapter for his C5, because he wants to install an Optima Redtop 75/25 (75/35), which he says is the correct model to install. I looked at the Optima web site, and it does indeed mention several different kinds of adapters, which supposedly MAY come with the battery. From the pics on the site, I am assuming he may need the "puck" so that his stock mounting clamp will work.

My friend was at Costco when he called and said he doesn't see an adapter. Do any of you who've installed this battery know what my friend is talking about?

Thanks.