OPTIMA disappointment
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl.
OPTIMA disappointment
I was changing my oil yesterday when I noticed some rust on thr frame rail under the battery box. Today I pulled the battery out and to my surprise my 10 month old Optima was leaking from the negative terminal. They exchanged the bad battery for a new one, no questions asked. I bought this battey specifically for the purpose of not leaking. Honestly, I didn't know they could leak. Now I,m left with a major clean up, I'm so disappointed with Optima batteries. Any tips or suggestions on how to do this the correct way would be appreciated.
T.I.A.
T.I.A.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,386
Likes: 689
From: Boise ID
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
It wont make you feel any happier but the whole point of an Optima is that it's an absorbent glass mat battery. Unlike a lead acid battery the electrolyte is held by the mat in the battery. If the case cracks it'll still leak something; it's just less than traditional batteries. No consolation for you but it's rare.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
My recent research on Optima found they rely a bit too heavily on brand recognition for its own sake and reading about your misfortunes is consistent with this.
Based on installing a high-end audio system, my homework led me to the XS Power D3400. They make a smaller battery with side-posts that will fit the stock cables and screw-in terminals, but I needed the biggest battery that would fit the tray. The top-post D3400 fits in the stock tray almost too perfectly. The only caveat is you will have modify the cables and terminals to reach and fit the M6 top-side terminal screws.
http://4xspower.com/d3400/
Based on installing a high-end audio system, my homework led me to the XS Power D3400. They make a smaller battery with side-posts that will fit the stock cables and screw-in terminals, but I needed the biggest battery that would fit the tray. The top-post D3400 fits in the stock tray almost too perfectly. The only caveat is you will have modify the cables and terminals to reach and fit the M6 top-side terminal screws.
http://4xspower.com/d3400/
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I was changing my oil yesterday when I noticed some rust on thr frame rail under the battery box. Today I pulled the battery out and to my surprise my 10 month old Optima was leaking from the negative terminal. They exchanged the bad battery for a new one, no questions asked. I bought this battey specifically for the purpose of not leaking. Honestly, I didn't know they could leak. Now I,m left with a major clean up, I'm so disappointed with Optima batteries. Any tips or suggestions on how to do this the correct way would be appreciated.
T.I.A.
T.I.A.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl.
Clean up was easier than I thought it would be. I removed the lower inner fender and the plastic panel around the battery. That exposed the area very good. I took Naval jelly and a foam sanding pad to the surface rust and it cleaned up easily. I also used some baking soda. The leak was in the general area of the negative terminal but my eye sight isn't what it used to be. Guess its possible i over tightened it, first time for everything. Might have been a case leak above the negative terminal like in a previous thread. I dont know. I will be picking up an acid absorbing mat for under the battery asap. I just need to dry the area out and paint it and I'll be back on the road. What a pain in the A$$. I think its Miller time.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 537
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria California
However, no one is paying a dollar for the Red Top. As a matter of fact, most people are paying $160+
For that kind of money, the consumer should expect a superior battery where quality control is at the highest level.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Orange Tx
I kind of understand where your going with the dollar bill theory....
However, no one is paying a dollar for the Red Top. As a matter of fact, most people are paying $160+
For that kind of money, the consumer should expect a superior battery where quality control is at the highest level.
However, no one is paying a dollar for the Red Top. As a matter of fact, most people are paying $160+
For that kind of money, the consumer should expect a superior battery where quality control is at the highest level.
But that’s where the free replacement comes into play...
An most I ever pay is 130 for a red top...
What other battery for anywhere around that price comes with a free 3 or 4 year free replacement?
Almost all others are prorated not a full free replacement..
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 537
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria California
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 537
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria California
I wouldn't expect anything less from a $160 battery.
Too bad everyone with a Red Top has a different story. More than enough people have documented problems.
Congratulations, you were lucky to get one of the good ones
Too bad everyone with a Red Top has a different story. More than enough people have documented problems.
Congratulations, you were lucky to get one of the good ones
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 345
Likes: 5
From: Miami Florida
My recent research on Optima found they rely a bit too heavily on brand recognition for its own sake and reading about your misfortunes is consistent with this.
Based on installing a high-end audio system, my homework led me to the XS Power D3400. They make a smaller battery with side-posts that will fit the stock cables and screw-in terminals, but I needed the biggest battery that would fit the tray. The top-post D3400 fits in the stock tray almost too perfectly. The only caveat is you will have modify the cables and terminals to reach and fit the M6 top-side terminal screws.
http://4xspower.com/d3400/
Based on installing a high-end audio system, my homework led me to the XS Power D3400. They make a smaller battery with side-posts that will fit the stock cables and screw-in terminals, but I needed the biggest battery that would fit the tray. The top-post D3400 fits in the stock tray almost too perfectly. The only caveat is you will have modify the cables and terminals to reach and fit the M6 top-side terminal screws.
http://4xspower.com/d3400/
$450 for a battery? Wow.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,113
Likes: 669
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Optims Batteries !