![]() ![]() I am now more than ever a firm believer that the Optima batteries are a good investment. I mentioned this tale to my alternator builder and he related a story from a gentleman who runs a wrecker. I now own four red tops and a blue top for the boat. I did buy another new red top, as I was one short even with the revived battery. After a nice long charge it did come back though. Who knows how long that battery had been keeping things going? The dome light left on was the last straw and it just could not keep going. It looks like the bad regulator was the problem, and not the battery. Testing it with a load it performs just as it should. In the morning I arrive to find a green light and a fully charged battery. I still think this may be useless, but leave it to charge overnight. After an hour the voltage is up to six volts, finally. Sure enough it trips the internal breaker several times before maintaining a steady charge. The "automatic" charger I am using says it will not charge a battery with less than four volts. With no warranty left I said, what do I have to lose? I try charging it. I do have one that is older and still going. The battery that died is eight years old. Bearings an brushes were good since I had it rebuilt within the last four years. It turns out the alternator had a bad regulator. ![]() When I checked the alternator I found it was not charging. Upon leaving I noticed it started a little slow. I was in a hurry, so I dropped the red top from the HenryJ in and drove it to work. This does not usually drain an Optima to the point it has no voltage to start. The dome light had been left on for at least a day. My wife's car has been running my old red top since the crews factory AC Delco battery died. Hmmm, the Odessey batteries are now starting to look very attractive Add the "handling charge" and you are right there at the $189. Add another $100 for the blue or yellow probably." I explain "Not a yellow top or marine, I just want a price on a red top.", He replies, "that is the red top. So I check the price at the old "usual" parts store. The other day I was in the farm store and glanced at the two Optimas left on the shelf.$169.99 :yikes: The "usual" parts store told me theirs took a price hike and were at $154 Shocked WHAT! I had been getting them for $125 not long ago! I told them that was ridiculous and bought one at the farm store. I bought one for $129 not more than a month ago from our local D&B farm supply. Everywhere I have checked they are now $50 more than a month before :yikes: If you all were not paying attention over the last month.Optima batteries took a rather harsh price increase. Use what works for your situation and accept the consequences. If you frequently draw the battery down with accessories and no charging system, the deep cycle may be better.Įverything has its compromise. In a cold climate the extra cranking amps available may be an advantage. ![]() This works the alternator for a longer time and can lead to heating. The deep cycle batteries take a longer time to recharge and have greater resistance. Hopefully you get the idea.Ī regular battery is designed to be charged and accept a charge rapidly. That may or may not be a very good analogy. Pour either into your gas tank and it will start. The other, a Yellow top is the same size can with a. One, the Red top, has a 1" pouring spout. More resistance to both discharge and recharge. Yellow top= less power delivered over longer time. Red top= more cranking power, lots of power for short time. This chemistry changes allows for a much longer life in cycling applications, with only a slight reduction in power. Yellow top= Deep cycle battery : "The OPTIMA deep cycle battery utilizes a different chemistry for the active paste material on the plates, and a slightly stronger acid. When an SLI battery is used in a deep cycle application, or in a vehicle with heavy accessory loads, the battery life will be shortened proportionally to how deeply it is cycled on a regular basis. Starting a car typically discharges an SLI battery only 1% to 3%. It's plates are designed to deliver maximum power for a short duration. Redtop=SLI battery : "An automotive battery is an SLI (starting, lighting, ignition) battery. ![]()
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