Optima problems??

[Tucson T4R]

Absolutely. Now Odyssey has a PC1500 out that wasn't available when I installed the dual kit. I don't know if that affects your decision or not but it wouldn't have had any effect on mine as I wanted an isloated second battery on board.

FYI....I got my dual kit from Kodiak Industries.

http://www.kodiakinc.com/dual_battery.html

I have dual battery set up now, I just want to upgrade the batteries. The 1500 doesn't appear to come with a metal jacket option so I am thinking of a 2150 for the primary battery and 1200 metal jacket for the Aux battery.

 

[ntsqd]

Something that occurred to me. People who have had Optima failures, which terminals were you using? I mean as in top ones or the side ones? I've read something about side terminals failing when used as the connection to the starter. I dunno if that is first of all true and second whether or not they are provided for connection to the starter in the first place or as a place to connect accessories.

I too have read of issues with using side posts for starting. Not just in Optimas.

I'm of the opinion that any time you have the option to use the traditional top posts for the high current connectors. Their superior surface area can't hurt.
Then use the side terminals for the lower current draws.
I've never figured out why GM started the whole side terminal thing.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I've never figured out why GM started the whole side terminal thing.

I hear ya, although for anyone who's dropped a spanner or screwdriver across the terminals of a battery, the side post thing doesn't seem as dumb... ;-)

 

[ntsqd]

I hear ya, although for anyone who's dropped a spanner or screwdriver across the terminals of a battery, the side post thing doesn't seem as dumb... ;-)

Except when you're old school & used to keeping the ratchet clear of the top of the battery......

 

[Mike S]

Something that occurred to me. People who have had Optima failures, which terminals were you using? I mean as in top ones or the side ones? I've read something about side terminals failing when used as the connection to the starter. I dunno if that is first of all true and second whether or not they are provided for connection to the starter in the first place or as a place to connect accessories.

I am using the stock alternator and am using the top terminals. It MAY be a truck problem, but I am going to the distributor on Monday for a comprehensive test. If that is clean, I'll start pulling fuses and testing, if that is clean, I'll look at the alternator and consider new wiring/alternator. PITA.

M

 

[bj70_guy]

I've had Optima red tops in my 12V BJ70 for 2.5 years now (I think). No problems. I have heard a few first hand problems with Optimas and 24V Cruisers though. My new BJ74 came with 2 new Red Tops, so I'll be keeping a close eye on them. I'll run a Solar Converter 24-12V converter that also load balances while the truck is running and see if they last. If not it'll be buck up for some Odysseys and see how that goes.

 

[Desertdude]

Mike, The two optima yellow in the 80 are about a year old, and have buckling on the top (due to heat I expect) I don't think these will last too much longer and will be upgrading to Deka or Lifeline.
The two (yellow tops) in the Tacoma lasted about 1.5 years - needless to say my time with Optima is coming to a close.

 

[Schattenjager]

Considering my luck with Optima in the past and reading these posts, I wonder if Optima has changed suppliers for components in their batteries - maybe for a better margin? While I use Odyssey now, Optima was very good to me in a couple of cars - 'course that was about five years ago too...

 

[xjames]

Hey all, new guy here. I had problems with optima batteries in my bronco. I bought my first yellow top about 3 yr ago and within 8 mo. it would no longer hold a charge. I took it back and got it replaced with a brand new one free of charge. 7 mos. later, same problem. I went back to the parts store raising hell. I wondered if the deep-cycle was a factor so I insisted that they replace my yellow for a red top. After a short exchange of harsh words with the manager I got my way. A few days later after a 30 mile drive I noticed a small puff of smoke come from under my hood. I popped it open and found my batt was hot and venting said smoke. I waited a while to let the batt. cool and started looking for causes. I found that at higher RPMs there was just under 16 volts of juice at the terminals. I pulled the alternator (I replaced the old alt. and voltage reg. with a one wire alt.) and had it tested at a different parts store and it was putting out way too much voltage. The alt. was bought at the same time as the yellow top, from the same store. Needless to say I took it back and got a free replacement. Everything has been fine for the past year with no more smoke and no dead batt. Maybe worth checking into.