Leaking Optima Red Top
#21
Drifting
The first Optima red top I owned vented battery acid all over the place. Completely ruptured on the bottom of the battery. The battery was four years old, and there might have been a contributing problem that caused it to leak...it overheated. I cooked the plastic end cup on the main alternator lead. I though I was having an electrical issue with the stereo or the alternator...but, I replaced it with a new one and no problems.
#22
Tech Contributor
#23
Tech Contributor
http://www.batterymart.com/p-battery-mat.html
#24
Team Owner
There ARE non that I'm aware of. Gels are not for automotive use anyway.
El Zappo is exactly right. Optimas, Exides, etc are AGM batteries, NOT "gel" batteries. "Gel" batteries are generally small back-up batteries or primary power sources for various kinds of LOW current electronic applications.
Use of the term "gel" is yet another misnomer quite common in popular culture.
El Zappo is exactly right. Optimas, Exides, etc are AGM batteries, NOT "gel" batteries. "Gel" batteries are generally small back-up batteries or primary power sources for various kinds of LOW current electronic applications.
Use of the term "gel" is yet another misnomer quite common in popular culture.
#25
Tech Contributor
AGM batteries may be somewhat more leak resistant than conventional lead acid batteries, but they are certainly NOT leak proof. They still contain sulphuric acid, which is absorbed in a sponge-like glass matting.
In my opinion, AGM batteries are not worth the extra cost.
#26
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
The first Optima red top I owned vented battery acid all over the place. Completely ruptured on the bottom of the battery. The battery was four years old, and there might have been a contributing problem that caused it to leak...it overheated. I cooked the plastic end cup on the main alternator lead. I though I was having an electrical issue with the stereo or the alternator...but, I replaced it with a new one and no problems.
#27
Race Director
#28
Team Owner
#30
I went and checked a customer's optima the other day because he said it was leaking, and I didn't really believe him. But he was correct, I guess they leak every once in a while. His was leaking from the top and not the terminals.
#31
Race Director
How old was it? In any case, that's not reassuring for those who spend the big bucks to get an AGM battery. It's kinda like buying runflats and discovering that the sidewall collapsed and separated, taking out a chunk of fiberglass and leaving you stranded.
#32
Drifting
Member Since: Jul 2006
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Well that settles it, all batteries can leak no matter what brand they are since there can always be a few defects made with mass production.
P.S. None of my Optima's ever leaked and this is the first time I ever read about a leaky Optima. At least they are not like the OEM batteries that were destroying the computer harness' under them.
P.S. None of my Optima's ever leaked and this is the first time I ever read about a leaky Optima. At least they are not like the OEM batteries that were destroying the computer harness' under them.
#33
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
It looks like the top plastic piece is melted to the grey bottom case in order to seal them together ... so I guess there's always a chance that the plastic seal job isn't 100%. I just got unlucky on this one.
Does anyone know off the top of thier head what Optima's warranty on their Red Tops? I haven't had a chance to contact them yet due to being out of town ... but will be calling them next week for sure.
#34
Tech Contributor
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/warranty.html
#35
Drifting
Well that settles it, all batteries can leak no matter what brand they are since there can always be a few defects made with mass production.
P.S. None of my Optima's ever leaked and this is the first time I ever read about a leaky Optima. At least they are not like the OEM batteries that were destroying the computer harness' under them.
P.S. None of my Optima's ever leaked and this is the first time I ever read about a leaky Optima. At least they are not like the OEM batteries that were destroying the computer harness' under them.
#36
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
It looks like it's 36 months free replacement, with an additional 36 months of prorated coverage. Here's a link to their warranty info.
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/warranty.html
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/warranty.html
What are my chances of getting two in a row that leak? Don't answer that ....
#37
Tech Contributor
I can't see why they would not be VERY accomodating to your warranty claim. Their battery leaked acid, and certainly hurt their reputation. Be persistant about it!
#38
Team Owner
Quicksilver ... thanks for the link. I'll be calling Optima on Monday. Mine is a little over 4 years old, but since it leaked acid on my car I'm going to see if they will give me a new replacement. Besides, I believe it's been leaking some for awhile before I discovered it last week.
What are my chances of getting two in a row that leak? Don't answer that ....
What are my chances of getting two in a row that leak? Don't answer that ....
The replacement I have now is doing fine.
#40
Tech Contributor
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Well that settles it, all batteries can leak no matter what brand they are since there can always be a few defects made with mass production.
P.S. None of my Optima's ever leaked and this is the first time I ever read about a leaky Optima. At least they are not like the OEM batteries that were destroying the computer harness' under them.
P.S. None of my Optima's ever leaked and this is the first time I ever read about a leaky Optima. At least they are not like the OEM batteries that were destroying the computer harness' under them.
I'd say nextime is spot on. Any battery has a case ( statement of the obvious). With misuse or heavy handling any case could split. The original Delphi manufactured AC Delco batteries had a design fault that allowed the posts to be damaged if over torqued. Thats whay many of us here went the AGM route.
The point about the AGM that most miss is that the Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) "soaks" up the battery electrolyte and prevents major leakage should damage occur. The more complex design costs $$ and its a judgement call whether you think its worth it.
An AGM battery can leak although its rare to see leaky Optimas. The Optima is a robust design but it's not tolerant to discharge. If you dont keep it topped off, either though low useage or a drain it can let you down. By contrast, anyone still using an OEM AC Delco of 97-01 vintage is sitting on a timebomb IMHO
The later designs are generally better so you can buy most replacement batteries, AGM or lead acid, and rest easy . Bottom, line to get back to the original point; I'd say any time you suffer a leak for any reason you should go back to the manufacturer and seek a replacement. Unless you dropped it, they shouldn't do that
Last edited by DeeGee; 03-01-2009 at 04:04 AM.