Optima batteries

turbochris · 05-06-2004, 10:02 AM

I've had a few friends who have Optima sealed batteries, both yellow top and red top. it seems they have a really low internal resistance, which is good.... and bad. There's been a few cases where the battery was run down, the car was started with some booster cables and when the engine started the alternator burned out trying to shove 14 volts into the optima, it seems the amount of current needed to bring a flat optima up to 14 volts is pretty high, anyone have a similar experience?

Defiler · 05-06-2004, 12:22 PM

Not yet but I can't say I've run my Yellowtop down very low. Not low enough to need a jump at least.

antimatter · 05-06-2004, 02:41 PM

I just bought a yellow top and the + and - are on opposites sides

Now i need to rewire it.

Any tips?

frenchnew · 05-06-2004, 10:54 PM

This problem is not only related to the Optima brand and type of batteries but to all of car lead acid batteries.

Car charging systems are designed to make up for current consumption during normal usage. Draining the car battery and trying to revive it with the car charging systems is asking for trouble.

Most car alternators manufacturer/rebuilders know this problems and some do publish this fact in their documentation.

The proper way to bring it back is with a battery charger.

Best regards

frenchnew

Quote: Originally Posted by turbochris

I've had a few friends who have Optima sealed batteries, both yellow top and red top. it seems they have a really low internal resistance, which is good.... and bad. There's been a few cases where the battery was run down, the car was started with some booster cables and when the engine started the alternator burned out trying to shove 14 volts into the optima, it seems the amount of current needed to bring a flat optima up to 14 volts is pretty high, anyone have a similar experience?