Help
Administrator
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 71,094
From: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
Re: Help
Are you sure the Optima is a "gel cell"? The Optima FAQ explains why their water/acid/lead cell design is superior to a gell cell. From what Optima publishes on their website, the major CLAIMED differences/advantages are arranging higher purity lead in spiral cells rather than parallel plates, supporting the spirals to resist vibrations better, and sealing the cells to keep the water in and minimize gassing, and allowing the battery to be mounted in any position.
The experience of several here seems to be that the Optima batteries simply did not last in applications that involved extended periods of the car sitting unused.
You'll find it just like many other topics..... 1/2 the people love them and 1/2 the people hate them.
From the Optima FAQ:
Link to the FAQ:
http://www.optimabatteries.com/publi...ology/faq.html
The experience of several here seems to be that the Optima batteries simply did not last in applications that involved extended periods of the car sitting unused.
You'll find it just like many other topics..... 1/2 the people love them and 1/2 the people hate them.
From the Optima FAQ:
15. What is a Gel Cell Battery?
A gel battery design is typically a modification of the standard lead acid automotive or marine battery. A gelling agent is added to the electrolyte to reduce movement inside the battery case. Many gel batteries also use one way valves in place of open vents, this helps the normal internal gasses to recombine back into water in the battery, reducing gassing.
16. How does a Gel Cell compare to your deep cycle?
Most gel batteries have a much higher internal resistance, meaning they will not be able to deliver and receive current as efficiently. This is especially apparent at higher amperage levels. For example, most gel batteries will not work successfully in engine starting applications.
A gel battery design is typically a modification of the standard lead acid automotive or marine battery. A gelling agent is added to the electrolyte to reduce movement inside the battery case. Many gel batteries also use one way valves in place of open vents, this helps the normal internal gasses to recombine back into water in the battery, reducing gassing.
16. How does a Gel Cell compare to your deep cycle?
Most gel batteries have a much higher internal resistance, meaning they will not be able to deliver and receive current as efficiently. This is especially apparent at higher amperage levels. For example, most gel batteries will not work successfully in engine starting applications.
http://www.optimabatteries.com/publi...ology/faq.html
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 922
Re: Help
optima batteries are NOT gel cell batteries. Optima uses a material soaked in battery acid and rolled up with the plate to make a "cell" producting 2 volts. 6 of these make up the battery. They are spill proof and completely matanance free. I have had my red top in my jeep for more then a year now and it provides plenty enough juice to start the car in the most brutal winter mornings.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,655
From: Jacksonville, FL
Re: Help
Ive been through the stock delco - about 3 years, then die hard, barely 2 years, now on optima. Optima does have a 720 CCA rating, a little higher than the others. The die hard sears sold me was only a 550 "warm weather" battery cause I'm in Florida, looked it up when it died and found out the LS1 should have a 690 - they argued with me "cause the computer says so" but gave me my full purchase price back towards the optima. My buddy has had 2 delcos leak from the positive terminal. Just my experience, only just over 24K on the car...
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 297
From: Houston
Re: Help
ya i worded that wrong, I went back and tried to edit it at work then our server crashed [ EDIT ] microsoft
Last edited by Injuneer; Oct 15, 2006 at 12:46 PM. Reason: Do not override the language filter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,139
From: Aiken, Sc
Re: Help
I have a red top and love it plus you cant beat a 3 year free replacement. If you completely discharge it more than 3 times it will get a dead cell tho or letting it sit for longer than a month will kill it too. but thats what the 3 year free replacement was for.