Optima Battery Curse Has Struck Again
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 652
Likes: 0
From: Bellflower CA
Optima Battery Curse Has Struck Again
My 2 year old Optima Red Top has been getting weaker & weaker since Feb. It has gotten so that I get a low voltage alarm when leaving the car doors open during cleaning. Recently I let the car sit for 6 days & it wouldn't start. Now I have to use the Battery Tender every few days. I took the battery back to Pep Boys, but they say it tests fine. 
I performed Bill Curlee's current draw tests and there is no parasitic drain.
I hate paying for $120+ batteries that only last 2 years and have a useless warranty, but I guess there is no other choice to be safer from battery acid leaking on the PCM.
I do not want to give Optima or Pep Boys any more of my money. I am concerned about battery acid leaking, so I guess I will be looking for a place that sells Excide Orbital batteries unless somebody knows of another battery model that is safe.
I performed Bill Curlee's current draw tests and there is no parasitic drain.I hate paying for $120+ batteries that only last 2 years and have a useless warranty, but I guess there is no other choice to be safer from battery acid leaking on the PCM.
I do not want to give Optima or Pep Boys any more of my money. I am concerned about battery acid leaking, so I guess I will be looking for a place that sells Excide Orbital batteries unless somebody knows of another battery model that is safe.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,329
Likes: 16
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Mid-TN Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
My 3 year old Delco AGM battery started getting weaker, and didn't seem to hold charges like it once did. I bought this little gem about 10 months ago, and I haven't had any problems since. I hear it's harder to desulphate a AGM battery, but it's possible. Worth a shot I think. It might be too late for yours, but it can't hurt.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...97012&R=197012
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...97012&R=197012
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Try Odyssey non-spillable batteries. We use them all the time at my shop on Porsches. http://www.batterystore.com/Odyssey/OdysseyProducts.htm
- Colin
- Colin
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 10
From: Monticello MN
Originally Posted by 3Vettes@Home
Sams club sells the Exide orbital, at least in my area anyway 
The Orbital is the one to get. Exide is the one that originally developed the technology. Highly recommend it.
Ed
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Perry Hall MD
Originally Posted by CliffB-99
I went through two Delcos and a Red Top. Then, switched to the deep cycle Yellow Top....problem solved. Best battery for the Vette IMHO. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,840
Likes: 301
From: Bonita CA
Originally Posted by CliffB-99
I went through two Delcos and a Red Top. Then, switched to the deep cycle Yellow Top....problem solved. Best battery for the Vette IMHO.
That's what I did too. No problems. The red one lasted 5 months. The yellow deep cycle is much tougher.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Remember that deep cycle batteries, as a rule-of-thumb, do not last as long as standard auto batteries. They are intended for autos with massive power amps that'll drain the battery way past what would damage a normal battery. In order to do this some of the longevity a standard battery enjoys is sacrificed.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,806
Likes: 70
From: Rochester MN
Originally Posted by JTS97Z28
Well after all the negative feedback I have been reading I guess im going to stay away from Optimas. My 99 is due for a battery now im just not sure which to gol with.
My 98 needs a battery as well. Currently on life support via battery tender. I have read so much bad about Optima Red top this year after convincing myself last year that I must have it, I am not sure what to get.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,840
Likes: 301
From: Bonita CA
Originally Posted by Dave68
Remember that deep cycle batteries, as a rule-of-thumb, do not last as long as standard auto batteries. They are intended for autos with massive power amps that'll drain the battery way past what would damage a normal battery. In order to do this some of the longevity a standard battery enjoys is sacrificed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,269
Likes: 1
From: Richmond Ca
Originally Posted by MARK's_C5TT
within the past year there have been so many posts complaing about Optima batteries. Mine is still good and I've ahd it for 3 years i think I am just lucky. If she goes then wont take a chance on another.
I've had my Red Top for 6 years. The secret for it or any battery is to keep them topped of, which means if you don't drive them frequently, keep a bettery maintainer on them.
Even if you drive frequently but do not drive far enough to replace the in-between-drain (and then some), you'll eventually end up with a drained battery if you don't use a tender.
IMO!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 993
Likes: 0
From: PA
Originally Posted by wwashing
I've had my Red Top for 6 years. The secret for it or any battery is to keep them topped of, which means if you don't drive them frequently, keep a bettery maintainer on them.
Even if you drive frequently but do not drive far enough to replace the in-between-drain (and then some), you'll eventually end up with a drained battery if you don't use a tender.
IMO!
Even if you drive frequently but do not drive far enough to replace the in-between-drain (and then some), you'll eventually end up with a drained battery if you don't use a tender.
IMO!
Great tip!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 671
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City Missouri
Optma Battery
I went to an Optima Yellow Top and for 2 years, no problem. I use a battery tender, start once a month in winter, let run to operating temperature. The Yellow Top allows for repeated charging.