Optima Batteries (again)

[JDerrick]

Does anyone have problems with Optima red top batteries during cold temperatures? I have been experiencing problems during cold weather( sluggish starting around 20 deg F, and might as well forget about it when the temps are below zero). The truck cannot always be plugged in during these times. Both of the batteries have read good on a load test. I do not have any charging issues that I know of with the truck. The batteries are approximately 2. 5 years old. During warmer temps ( 30 deg and up) there are absolutely no problems cranking the engine. comments ... ... ... ... ... . ? #@$%!

 

[Motorhead]

What kind of shape is your starter? You almost need to do a starter amp draw test at the colder temps. What weight oil are you using in winter? And lastly, what size of red tops did you buy? CCA?

 

[JCrockett]

We have the same problems with then up here in AK, gas or diesel apps. I have switched to Oddessey and have had no problems, they cost more but frankly what is it worth screwing around in cold temps with a dead battery? They have an unconditional 3 yr warrenty, full exchange no questions asked.

 

[WoodChuck]

Sears Platinum batteries are re-branded Odysseys. I got them and my truck cranks hyper fast now.

 

[Edgemann55]

I put the Sears Platinums in my truck also and they crank way better then stock. Plus Sears gives a 8 year warrenty-4 replacement/4 pro rated.

 

[JDerrick]

i run the 800 CCA batteries. 15/40 delo all year round due to the various extremes that the truck can function in. and I have never experienced any starter motor problems... ...


So the Sears platinum batteries are the same as the Odyssey batteries but just with a different label ?

 

[WoodChuck]

i run the 800 CCA batteries. 15/40 delo all year round due to the various extremes that the truck can function in. and I have never experienced any starter motor problems... ...


So the Sears platinum batteries are the same as the Odyssey batteries but just with a different label ?

The Sears Platinum is a Odyssey battery with a different label.

 

[AWise]

Same here, I bought the Die Hard Platinum for my wifes Durango (takes same size as my truck) since hers was over 5 years old and starting slow. It cranks much faster than it ever did before. I went with the Die Hard Plat after someone here confirmed that it is a rebranded Odyssey. I will be buying the same for my truck when it needs new batteries.

 

[R.Taylor]

Yep, Odyssey's here... . Well worth the $$. Optima's are not the best choice, Spiral core nonsense and more surface area to really let your battery get cold.

 

[Bubba7492]

i run the 800 CCA batteries. 15/40 delo all year round due to the various extremes that the truck can function in. and I have never experienced any starter motor problems... ...





So the Sears platinum batteries are the same as the Odyssey batteries but just with a different label ?

Is that 800 @ 32F or 0F ? Caterpillar 230-6368 Group 65 has 880CCA@ 0F.

 

[d6c]

mmmm, battery lingo: cca-always at 0F,mca-always at 32F (cold cranking amps vs marine cranking amps)

 

[Bubba7492]

mmmm, battery lingo: cca-always at 0F,mca-always at 32F (cold cranking amps vs marine cranking amps)

I Learn somthing every day. Now is there another better CCA in the group 65 ? I see an additional 160 amps in two batteries with the Caterpillar's.

 

[wlowe]

Another thumbs up for the Sears Diehard Platinums. I've had mine for about two years with no problems.

 

[rashwor]

Glad I did not buy the Optimas last week! They were just too pricey for me. I wanted them but I could not justify the extra $. I got the Advance Auto Parts version of the Oddessy.

 

[AH64ID]

Is that 800 @ 32F or 0F ? Caterpillar 230-6368 Group 65 has 880CCA@ 0F.

Is this a direct install for our trucks?

 

[Bubba7492]

Is this a direct install for our trucks?

Yes it is. Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[TCDiesel]

Just a word of caution for those who are changing batteries,if all connections (on both batteries) are not clean ,good and tight,the system may cause the rider side battery to over charge and explode, the heat senor is under the driver side battery. the only time this seems to happen is in cooler temps, so even if you changed the batteries earlier it may not develop until cooler temps.

 

[WoodChuck]

Just a word of caution for those who are changing batteries,if all connections (on both batteries) are not clean ,good and tight,the system may cause the rider side battery to over charge and explode, the heat senor is under the driver side battery. the only time this seems to happen is in cooler temps, so even if you changed the batteries earlier it may not develop until cooler temps.

I was wondering what that was under the driver side battery. I asked the monkey at Sears who installed my batteries and he didn't have a clue so he tried to make up something but I knew better. Something as simple as changing batteries I figured I could let some else do but believe it or not he didn't tighten the crossover cable between the two batteries properly which I didn't discover till a couple months later when I was arcing at that cable connection on the driver side. So even if a "pro" installed your batteries I would double check the connections.

 

[mwilson]

Just checked my price tape in regards to sell price on the 230-6368 Cat battery, comes up at 98. 83 over the counter. I am pretty sure that Deka / East Penn Mfg make the Cat battery as well as the Alliance brand that we sell from Freightliner. They have been an excellent battery with few warranty issues, and almost all of those few issues are caused by drivers draining the batteries due to inverters, fridges, etc. being left on for extended periods of time. The Alliance version in Group 65 should sell for 90. 00 or so depending on the dealer selling it and the part number for that is EPM A665MF if any of you want to try a Freightliner or Western Star dealer. That battery is rated at 750 CCA at 0 degrees by the way. Either the Cat or Alliance battery should be an excellent choice in my opinion. Also bear in mind that these two batteries are designed for equipment and as a result have plates that are going to stay in place under stress and vibration.

I have checked my catalogs here and online and the Group 65 is shown as the correct battery for our trucks.

Just my unsolicited opinion... ... :-laf:-laf

 

[AH64ID]

The Sears Platinum is looking like a killer deal. They are about 60% of the Odessy branded version, and Sears gives me a killer discount, somewhere near 30%. Now its just time to save, because even at those low prices its not cheap!!