Optima Battery

Re the warranty. A. Johnson Controls own Optima. They are an enormous company B. Optimas are now made in Mexico... like many of our cars. Only a few years ago Optimas were warrantied for 7 years(albeit prorated), due to folks cashing in after 5-6 years Johnson Controls took over the company and cut the warranty to 3years with full replacement. I have had a dozen of these since the mid 90s never did I not get over 6 years on 'em. BUT! they will repell "hot" recharges over 10amp, If you run 'em down totally, you can not just bring them back with a charge. You must read the instructions. If the owner does not do that, well...
 
zzlegend said:
I have to wonder, what kind of gel they are filling them with in Mexico? :confused:
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I have to wonder also because in 1970 I went south of the border to buy a pair of leather pants. The knees tore out the first time I sat down in them. I thought the leather smelled different than American leather goods, and I was told the Mexicans use urine for tanning.:mad:

As far as Optima batteries, I just don't get it. They cost about 3 times what a lead/acid battery cost, and I always get 10 years plus with the lead/acid batteries. The one in my 28 Model A and the 6 volt in my 1950 Studebaker are both over 10 years old and going strong.
 
zzlegend said:
Just a word of caution. I have two 5 year old optimas that are still going strong. Called my buddy up who owns an automotive repair shop, and told him I needed another one. He said, "I dont carry them anymore, to many warranty issues. So I went to Cosco who always carried them. The manager said they dropped them also for the same reason. He said since they moved to Mexico they have been having problems with them. Don't know. Just passing along to others. Plus I have not bought one as of yet. Just my 2 cents.
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My experience also, had one that lasted almost 10yrs in my Burb tow'r.
Put one in the DW's DD and it lasted 2yrs.
Was going to use two yellow's in the camping trailer, but went with Lifeline AGM's.
Made in the USA!

The 'script' flooded cell tar top from Mac's cracked after 2 years....replaced with plain old Deka, as far as I know still made in Pa.

Bob
:cool:
 
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I used to use them, but not anymore. After three years they just quit. Didn't get weaker just died. I had three.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
I have to wonder also because in 1970 I went south of the border to buy a pair of leather pants. The knees tore out the first time I sat down in them. I thought the leather smelled different than American leather goods, and I was told the Mexicans use urine for tanning.:mad:

As far as Optima batteries, I just don't get it. They cost about 3 times what a lead/acid battery cost, and I always get 10 years plus with the lead/acid batteries. The one in my 28 Model A and the 6 volt in my 1950 Studebaker are both over 10 years old and going strong.
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Tom, that's what i thought they were filling the batteries with. :mad: They probably started out with Corona beer but once it is filtered thru the human body it losses its electrolysis. :D I have an old standard battery that i have been using for years and it is still going strong. Don't know the manufacture. :rolleyes:
 
Geez no I am scared. The one I bought may be defective. I ran it yesterday for the first time to a car show and back. Started fine going out and coming back. But when I shut her down to move things around she would not start right away. I hope the problem is somewhere else. How do people get 10 yrs. out of a lead acid? the most I get is 3-5.

Mike
 
1930artdeco said:
Geez no I am scared. The one I bought may be defective. I ran it yesterday for the first time to a car show and back. Started fine going out and coming back. But when I shut her down to move things around she would not start right away. I hope the problem is somewhere else. How do people get 10 yrs. out of a lead acid? the most I get is 3-5.

Mike
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A regulated generator is what helps a lot.
Also keeping the car in good tune, so it starts right away.
Also I'm not a believer in trickle chargers, but if the car sets for several months, then use a 2 to 6 amp charger once a month for a couple hours.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
A regulated generator is what helps a lot.
Also keeping the car in good tune, so it starts right away.
Also I'm not a believer in trickle chargers, but if the car sets for several months, then use a 2 to 6 amp charger once a month for a couple hours.
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Trickle charger just let me down last week. 100 month Motorcraft battery, been using a Battery Tender religiously thought I was doing the 'right' thing. Went to the garage, Red charging lite was on, Battery Tender REAL hot to the touch.

Had a cell that was dead, took battery to Ford garage got a new one had to pay the pro-rate. Other batteries I have had w/o using trickle charger lasted a LOT longer
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
A regulated generator is what helps a lot.
Also keeping the car in good tune, so it starts right away.
Also I'm not a believer in trickle chargers, but if the car sets for several months, then use a 2 to 6 amp charger once a month for a couple hours.
Click to expand...

Yes!!! Trickle charge periodically is the key. Leaving these battery maintainers on 24/7/365 is bad news. Also, the smaller the trickle charger the better, I use a 300mA one.
 
Your Going To Need This Battery Hold Down Bracket From Mike's

Battery Hold Down Bracket - Model A Ford - Buy Online!
Code: A5166OP
Model Year: 1928 - 1931
UOM: Each
Quantity in Basket: none
Price: $12.00

A high quality powder coated steel bracket that holds the Optima Battery A5150B in place in a standard Model A Battery Frame.
 
At 6.3v the plain old Deka goes on the BT, 6.7v off, it's usually 24hrs on and 2-4 weeks off, depending on the weather, (below 10* it stays connected), cables disconnected.

V meter sits on the hood when in storage.
24b1e2o.jpg


Bob
:cool:
 
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