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: 4,387
Likes: 691
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/
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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: 11,119
Likes: 672
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Optims Batteries !