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Optima Yellow top review

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by ColoradoTJ, Apr 20, 2017.

  1. Apr 20, 2017 at 7:09 PM
    #1
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ [OP] Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    I use my sh....stuff, so this might not apply to many people on this site. My electrical system on my TJ gets taxed...hard.

    I have "heard" that Optima batteries sold out and moved production down to Mexico, and uses recycled lead and processes that are less than stellar. Normally, the whole made in Mexico thing does bother me a little, but I thought "what the hell?"

    This yellow top was purchased from Summit Racing for a pretty good deal that I just couldn't pass up....200.00, in March of 2016.

    @Thegr8punkin and I have an off-roading trip planned soon and I was going to take my Tacoma, but that is not what it is for, no matter how easy the trail. Today I told him the TJ would get a look at it to make it run. Had fuel pressure, air, and spark...just not enough ass to crank the starter. So I checked the Optima. Sure as hell, 11.1VDC pretty sure there is an issue with that battery. I pulled the battery out of the Lexus real quick and what do you know...fired right up.

    I had an X2Power in 06-13 with no issues, but was coming to the end of life on that AGM battery. Time to ante up and get a real battery again. Tonight I ponied up for the X2Power Group 34

    https://www.batteriesplus.com/battery/car-and-truck/jeep/tj/2003/l6-4.0l-600cca/sli34agmdp

    I figured since they were offering a 30.00 rebate, why not?

    The Optima lasted me 13 months, and in reality, a lot less than that since I only started Jeeping this current build late in 16', but I did buy it in April.

    Even the guy at Batteries Plus doesn't even recommend them and they sit on his shelf. So, you have been warned. I must have ate a big bowl of dumbass the morning I ordered the Yellow top Optima. Stupid hurts....and did.

    Connor, we are on homie...
     
  2. Apr 20, 2017 at 7:38 PM
    #2
    Joeshaker

    Joeshaker New Member

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    Ditto to that, I have a redtop in my cougar. It takes a lot of cranking to get gas to the carb after sitting for a while. The optima doesn't last long enough way more often than a descent regular battery that costs way less. I also had one in my 1st gen. Left the lights on for about twenty minutes. Totally killed it, it took a full size Chevy revving for a 1/2 hr to get it to start. I was driving it daily and the optima was less than two years old. First and last time I'll buy one! Wait, I bought two!:angrygirl:
     
  3. Apr 20, 2017 at 7:44 PM
    #3
    Thegr8punkin

    Thegr8punkin A G.D.M/Sofa King Cool/COTJ's dreamboat

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    I have a red top in my 4runner... But it has a 4banger in it. Though, I've gone through alternator pretty quick. I think I'm going to get a direct bolt on alt from primer power welder.

    With that said, the owner of power welder refuses to warranty any of them if used with an optima. So until this battery (or this current alternator) dies it'll stay.
     
    Joeshaker and ColoradoTJ[OP] like this.
  4. Apr 20, 2017 at 7:55 PM
    #4
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ [OP] Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    15 years ago, they were good batteries. The business I was associated with used to sell PPW, pretty good stuff. If he won't warranty his stuff with an Optima...all you need to know about that...
     
  5. Apr 20, 2017 at 10:07 PM
    #5
    Thegr8punkin

    Thegr8punkin A G.D.M/Sofa King Cool/COTJ's dreamboat

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    The one in there is close to 10 years old now I believe...
     
    ColoradoTJ[OP] likes this.
  6. Apr 20, 2017 at 10:10 PM
    #6
    Thegr8punkin

    Thegr8punkin A G.D.M/Sofa King Cool/COTJ's dreamboat

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    7d2e845678baa455833a2bb8038b1a2a_0294023c7c076b36ab1bcec964934fe24539cf4a.jpg lol went and double checked
     
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  7. Jun 8, 2017 at 1:09 PM
    #7
    TRD Pro Rookie

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    I have a red top optima in my Chevy that's got to be 10 plus years old. I will check the date sticker when I get home. Kwik kar tells me they are garbage now that they are made in mexico. That's too bad.
     
  8. Oct 2, 2023 at 4:45 PM
    #8
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    I wish I had seen this a few days earlier.

    Picked.up a Yellow.Top Optima 27F today from a local battery store.

    Got it free local delivery and the packing slip was conveniently placed over the side UPC which shows a cryptic date code. Some forums (confirmed by Optima rep) show my date code as: 1234284506, which would mean it was manufactured 2021 Aug 22, over 2 years sitting on a shelf.

    I have an email in to Optima, but I'm guessing this thing is going back, free returns. Sounds like Optima isn't the Optima of old.

    PXL_20231002_190800015.jpg
     
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  9. Oct 2, 2023 at 6:25 PM
    #9
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ [OP] Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Holy thread bump Bruce. :rofl:
     
  10. Oct 2, 2023 at 6:48 PM
    #10
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    I figure it was better than starting a new thread to complain about the date of mfg to when it was sold. I'm guessing it's not a popular size is my market.

    I'll wait for final judgement after I hear back from Optima on the date. But all things I see point to a 2y old battery.

    If I end up installing it, I'll make sure the NoCo is always on full charge for winter.
     
  11. Oct 2, 2023 at 6:49 PM
    #11
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ [OP] Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    I suppose the warranty starts on date of manufacture as well huh?
     
  12. Oct 2, 2023 at 7:09 PM
    #12
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    I believe it starts on date of purchase. But it would be the inconvenience of having a dead battery, getting a loalner battery while they test it and order a new one.

    I've heard of this practice with some places that don't have high turnaround. They are stuck with the old batteries as the manufacturer won't replace them until a warranty claim is placed.
     
  13. Oct 2, 2023 at 8:01 PM
    #13
    blackdemon_tt

    blackdemon_tt Battery Slayer

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    Starts on the day of purchase, otherwise no battery would have a warranty. Plus Optimas will die in heat really fast. The old shopkeeper complained about the red tops not lasting but a year in the heat 100+
     
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  14. Oct 3, 2023 at 6:22 AM
    #14
    blackdemon_tt

    blackdemon_tt Battery Slayer

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    100% agree, Costco is a good option too. At least in my area it was on average $40 cheaper... Have lasted a couple of cold storm fronts without dying. My Celica hasn't been started in 6 months and starts first time every time with the regular Costco battery.
     
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  15. Oct 3, 2023 at 7:57 AM
    #15
    hagrid

    hagrid The most diverse of Diversity Hires!

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    Ask them what the saturation voltage is (probably 14.6 volts) and apply the saturation charge using a smart charger with the necessary function.

    Let the battery rest for a week, completely undisturbed, and then measure the open circuit voltage; preferably at room temperature.
     
  16. Oct 3, 2023 at 8:04 AM
    #16
    hagrid

    hagrid The most diverse of Diversity Hires!

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    After that, connect an appliance that presents a somewhat small-ish load (tiny peltier refrigerator?) and monitor the voltage as the battery drains. If you get an acceptable amount of run time then your battery is healthy.

    Re-apply the saturation charge and enjoy.
     
  17. Oct 3, 2023 at 8:09 AM
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    BravoDeltaRomeo

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    I'm guessing, once I crack the seal and start messing around with it, they are not going to return it. It's not from a big box, no questions asked, type of retailer.

    I'll wait till I hear back from Optima confirming the date of manufacture. I would be more than willing to run it through a few tests to check my current battery, but I shouldn't have to with one I just purchased off the shelf, given the price.

    Costco and Napa, don't stock 27F up here.
     
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  18. Oct 3, 2023 at 6:34 PM
    #18
    hagrid

    hagrid The most diverse of Diversity Hires!

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    yes...
     
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  19. Oct 6, 2023 at 2:03 PM
    #19
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    I got no response from two different contact methods from Optima.

    2y+ old Yellow Top was returned to the seller today.

    After reading this review and multiple others recently, I will look elsewhere for a 27F
     

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