Optima Battery in SVX

[WYOSVX]

Has anyone had problems with Optima batteries?

I had one not holding a charge, bought 1/17/2016, replaced 10/3/2017. Now, it's happening again but it could be me. I should probably leave it on a trickle charger. My SVX sits a lot; I usually need to drive my truck for one reason or another.

Anyone have a preferred trickle charger for garage queens?

It's a little early to blame the battery- I am not- but I remember that when I returned the first battery, one of the guys at Autozone said he didn't like Optima batteries and I don't remember why. It was something about the technology in them.

So- not blaming the battery yet- just curious if anyone might know about Optima issues.

[92 SVX]

Originally Posted by WYOSVX

Has anyone had problems with Optima batteries?

I had one not holding a charge, bought 1/17/2016, replaced 10/3/2017. Now, it's happening again but it could be me. I should probably leave it on a trickle charger. My SVX sits a lot; I usually need to drive my truck for one reason or another.

Anyone have a preferred trickle charger for garage queens?

It's a little early to blame the battery- I am not- but I remember that when I returned the first battery, one of the guys at Autozone said he didn't like Optima batteries and I don't remember why. It was something about the technology in them.

So- not blaming the battery yet- just curious if anyone might know about Optima issues.

If I remember correctly optima started making the battery cheaper, and using some different standards, thus they lost some of what made them great.
As to your specific problem I would say its because of sitting, a good maintainer charger would be ideal. since I stopped driving mine everyday (its been 4 months since I even unlocked the doors) I have found that I need to put the charger on it when I do decide to use it.

[svxcess]

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I have been using red top Optima batteries in my SVX for almost 30 years. My last Optima was installed in my polo in 2009.

I have always used the group 34 red top with the top terminals only. SKU: 8002-002. 800 CCA and fits perfectly without a height adapter and with or without the battery box.





It is now a garage queen, sometimes going as long as 9 months between startups or driving. I have always had it connected 24/7 to a Deltran Battery Tender Plus when not in use.

Hard-wired to the battery so all I do is disconnect and go. Maintains battery at peak charge automatically. Never failed to start right up and perform flawlessly

I also have the new alternator wiring configuration and a 160A high-output alternator.

More here. See my test results at the end.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/atta...8&d=1270948752

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[svxcess]

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The Maryland State Police, as well as the Howard and Carroll County EMS vehicles exclusively use the Optimas.

But it was the state police that found out there was a mauufacturing problem around 2010, with some of the Optimas that were manufactured in a new facility in Mexico. The spiral mat cores were being wound too tightly and when the acid was added the mats were not evenly saturated. The acid did not effectively penetrate the tightly wound innermost core, effectively “starving” the electrical system.

This was diagnosed by cutting apart some of the Optima batteries that were returned as defective. The problem was quickly addressed and resolved.
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[WYOSVX]

Thanks, guys, for the Optima education! I think I will look for a battery tender. It's probably what's needed.

I like the idea of hard-wiring the battery tender! I already did the wiring mod, I know your wiring configuration well, John. And, I have the same battery. You may recall that you gave me plenty of help and all you got out of it was a Wyoming license plate.

The only thing I haven't done is replace the alternator. When this one goes, I will upgrade.

[svxcess]

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Battery Tender Plus
https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tende...der+plus&psc=1

12.5' extension cable
https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tende.../dp/B002DU3TTO

25' extension cable
https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tende...xtension+cable

I have my Battery Tender Plus sitting on a shelf between two studs in my unfinished garage and connected to the electrical outlet.



I have the 25' extension cable connected to it and then to the direct connector on my battery. I would have gotten the 12.5' extension, but not available at the time.













My hood of the SVX says up all the time in the garage while connected. Mice like dark, cozy places and this keeps them out of the engine compartment. You can see one of the electronic rodent repellers handing down from the ceiling by the alternator. Under the intake manifold is a favorite place to build a nest.

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[LarryIII]

I use battery maintainers on all my SVXes as they sit for a while. It's cheap insurance.

[WYOSVX]

Wow! Thanks for putting the solution in my lap.

When I had mice getting into my garage I had to learn that lesson the hard way, too, until I found a way to seal it off from the little destroyers. One nest cleanup under the intake was all it took. Mice have no respect for beauty.

[svxcess]

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Plus keeping the hood up prevents them from destroying the under hood insulation.





BTW Wyo... you have a PM

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