New battery solved the weak start

[smak]

Car started no problem if it sat overnight. Once it warmed up and make several stops, the crank got weaker and weaker.

I was planning to change the starter but decided to replace the battery to an Optima Red top first. After changed, it started strong everytime.

[1schoir]

Car started no problem if it sat overnight. Once it warmed up and make several stops, the crank got weaker and weaker.

I was planning to change the starter but decided to replace the battery to an Optima Red top first. After changed, it started strong everytime.

Thanks for posting the solution to that fairly common problem.

I think it is related to the increased resistance in the wires when they get warmer.

How many Cold Cranking Amperes and how much Reserve Capacity does your Optima battery have?

Regards, Maurice.

[smak]

I am using 34/78. Better fit will be 34R with a base mount.

http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/index.html#redspecs

Car started no problem if it sat overnight. Once it warmed up and make several stops, the crank got weaker and weaker.

I was planning to change the starter but decided to replace the battery to an Optima Red top first. After changed, it started strong everytime.

Thanks for posting the solution to that fairly common problem.

I think it is related to the increased resistance in the wires when they get warmer.

How many Cold Cranking Amperes and how much Reserve Capacity does your Optima battery have?

Regards, Maurice.

[White987S]

Smak, now go buy a quality battery maintainer, (not a trickle charger) and extend the life of that big $$$$ new battery. When parked in your garage, plug in.

[1schoir]

Smak:

Thanks for the link.

Regards, Maurice.

[smak]

I thought Optima battery should be maintaince free. no?

Smak, now go buy a quality battery maintainer, (not a trickle charger) and extend the life of that big $$$$ new battery. When parked in your garage, plug in.

[White987S]

I thought Optima battery should be maintaince free. no?

Smak, now go buy a quality battery maintainer, (not a trickle charger) and extend the life of that big $$$$ new battery. When parked in your garage, plug in.

Maintenance free? It may be. But, what about the charge? That's what the battery maintainer will do for you. Keep your battery very healthy. How ofter do you drive your car?

[smak]

Once or twice a week.

I thought Optima battery should be maintaince free. no?

Smak, now go buy a quality battery maintainer, (not a trickle charger) and extend the life of that big $$$$ new battery. When parked in your garage, plug in.

Maintenance free? It may be. But, what about the charge? That's what the battery maintainer will do for you. Keep your battery very healthy. How ofter do you drive your car?

[FossilBurner]

I thought Optima battery should be maintaince free. no?

Smak, now go buy a quality battery maintainer, (not a trickle charger) and extend the life of that big $$$$ new battery. When parked in your garage, plug in.

Maintenance free? It may be. But, what about the charge? That's what the battery maintainer will do for you. Keep your battery very healthy. How ofter do you drive your car?

Daily. No need for battery maintainer then I assume, yes?

[wross996TT]

Daily. No need for battery maintainer then I assume, yes?

Maintenance free does not mean it shouldn't be maintained (ha ha ha)...Typically MF means there is enough electrolyte to maintain the proper performance for the life of the battery. On some of the MF you can still add water (distilled), but it appears this is not an option for the Optima. It is a battery and will lose power if there is any drain...so the maintainer will keep the battery well charged while the car sits and no alternator to charge it...It is better to maintain a MF battery with a slow trickle charge...to prevent gas build up.

Edited September 2, 2009 by wross996TT

[smak]

I realized that my charger had an option for 2A charging current for that purpose. I will consider charge it up once a month during the winter time. Beside, I am planning to install a battery protector soon.

Daily. No need for battery maintainer then I assume, yes?

Maintenance free does not mean it shouldn't be maintained (ha ha ha)...Typically MF means there is enough electrolyte to maintain the proper performance for the life of the battery. On some of the MF you can still add water (distilled), but it appears this is not an option for the Optima. It is a battery and will lose power if there is any drain...so the maintainer will keep the battery well charged while the car sits and no alternator to charge it...It is better to maintain a MF battery with a slow trickle charge...to prevent gas build up.