Question: What kind of Battery do you use?

[Peter]

What kind of Battery do you use?

I use a Pro-Rated Motomaster :D

[fastblackmerc]

From-the-factory battery

[sailsmen]

The fac died 2 years in service. Then bought NAPA, lasted 1 year.

Now Optima.

[Raudermaster]

I'm using the factory one, but intend to put in a yellow top Optima once this dies.

[Shora]

I'm using the factory one, but intend to put in a yellow top Optima once this dies.

What is so good about these optimas? What is the difference between yellow and red tops? Also, I think that Motorcraft makes some "heavy Duty" batts that are pretty good. My current (OEM) battery has been in the car since 2002 and it still works perfect and my Marauder goes 3-4 between drives since I have a beater.

[Cobra25]

I still have the Factory battery in mind and doing just fine.

[KillJoy]

Stocker. Depending on it's service life...possibly another.

If poor life...an Optima Red Top.

KillJoy

[whoskal]

Factory...hasn't done me wrong yet.

[glassman99]

12 volt.....

[Drock96Marquis]

The Motocraft batteries are some of the best you'll ever find. My 96' f-450 went nearly 10 years before I decided to replace the twin group 65s. THey were still fine, no problem spinning over that 7.3, i just didn't want to push my luck lol :P

My Marquis was on the original battery for nearly 10 years as well, I changed it for peace of mind.

[teamrope]

Energizer.....

[ctrlraven]

I'm using the factory one, but intend to put in a yellow top Optima once this dies.Yep same here

[greggash]

My original battery lasted 4 years ( I bought my car in '02)

I put in a vastly overrated 850 CCA 1000 warm battery

[Bradley G]

I got nine years on the origonal Motocraft battery in a F-250.
Both my Mercs have Factory origonals.

[Marauder386]

Still have all the Factory originals and they are G T G but replaced them with Optima red tops just for piece of mind...

:cool:

[SamF]

My 03 with 25K on it had an Interstate in it when I bought it in 05/06...dunno why the factory battery was replaced but I am glad that is the brand they installed. I have an Interstate in my 94 F150 that has been going strong for 8 years and about 80K. Most applications are just around $80-100.00

[Canadasvt]

Still have the original factory battery.

[LordVader]

I'm using the factory one, but intend to put in a yellow top Optima once this dies.

^^^^^Me too!!

[JVJ]

Go with the best "Motorcraft". that's what I have been using so far, going on 2 1/2 years now. And still has life in it.

[Loco1234]

OPTIMA BATTERY FAQ:

1. What does the SPIRALCELL® design do?

The unique design of the SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY. provides many features not available in ordinary batteries. The following is a summary

SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES:
More plate surface, closer plate spacing, ability to use high purity lead. RESULTING IN: Low internal resistance. This low resistance gives you more power in a smaller box, ability to recharge much faster, higher, cleaner voltage characteristics during discharge

Immobilized plates (locked in place). RESULTING IN: Improved vibration resistance, no shedding of active paste material, no gradual loss of power and capacity as the battery ages. This gives you a battery that lasts longer and performs better throughout its life.
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2. Does OPTIMA® ever gas?

When used with a properly regulated constant voltage charging system (such as an alternator) the OPTIMA will usually not emit hydrogen gas. However, gassing can occur when charging at higher voltage levels or in extreme high temperature conditions. In automotive applications this typically will not happen if the alternator/regulator stay below 15 volts.
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3. Does the OPTIMA Deep Cycle have a "memory"?

Lead-Acid batteries do not suffer from memory effect. Many people think they have a memory because they experience a reduction in capacity or run-time as the battery ages. The active paste material in a lead-acid battery is a consumable item, similar to tread on a tire. Every time you cycle the battery some of the paste is used up. As the battery ages, less of the active paste is available to charge and discharge, resulting in a reduced operating time. This situation can be more apparent in the case where a high power or SLI battery is used in a deep cycle application. The plates of an SLI batter y are designed for high current, short duration discharges. Plates in deep cycle batteries are better suited to repetitive deep discharge applications.
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4. Why the low rate of self-discharge?

Mostly this is due to the purity of the lead in the OPTIMA plates. Some of the alloys in conventional batteries are more prone to electron transfer resulting in self discharge than the what is used in the OPTIMA.
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5. Why is OPTIMA not perishable like other batteries?

Why is OPTIMA not perishable like other batteries?
(See Question 4.)
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6. Can you trickle charge an OPTIMA? Solar card charger?

Yes, you can use any charger on an OPTIMA as long as the voltage is regulated properly. If your charger will remain on indefinitely the voltage should be at 13.8 volts maximum with a one amp maximum current.
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7. Will my high-output alternator damage the OPTIMA?

No, as long as the voltage is properly regulated. Because the OPTIMA has a very low internal resistance it will accept high current more efficiently than conventional batteries.
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8. Will it discharge the battery if leave it sitting on concrete?

No, today's batteries utilized polypropylene plastic for the case material. They will not be effected. When possible, always store a battery in a cool dry location.
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9. Can I hook an OPTIMA up in parallel with my other battery?

No, when hooking batteries together in parallel they should be of identical make, model, and of similar age.
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10. Can I use an isolator with an OPTIMA?

Yes, most any type of battery separator or solenoid can be used with an OPTIMA. The important thing to remember is that the charging voltage must be within the limits suggested by OPTIMA Batteries. If you are using an OPTIMA and a conventional battery, your system must charge each battery independently. Remember, some isolators cause a voltage drop, make sure your charging voltage AT THE BATTERY is sufficient. Continued undercharging of a battery will lead to premature failure and a drop in capacity.
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11. Why does the OPTIMA last longer?

The main reasons the OPTIMA battery has a longer life are:

No shedding of active paste material. The SPIRALCELL design immobilizes the plates preventing the active past from working loose, which can cause plate to plate shorting

High purity lead-tin grid. Grid material in OPTIMA batteries is more resistant to grid degradation. A type of internal corrosion that affects the plates inside a battery as it ages

Sealed design prevents loss of water which can lead to plate dry out and failure.
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12. What is the difference between your deep cycle and starter battery?

The OPTIMA deep cycle battery utilizes a different chemistry for the active paste material on the plates, and a slightly stronger acid. This chemistry changes allows for a much longer life in cycling applications, with only a slight reduction in power.
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13. What does deep cycle mean?

Deep cycle means using the battery in an application that will typically discharge 60% to 70% or more of the batter y capacity. An automotive battery is an SLI (starting, lighting, ignition) battery. It's plates are designed to deliver maximum power for a short duration. Starting a car typically discharges an SLI battery only 1% to 3%. When an SLI battery is used in a deep cycle application, or in a vehicle with heavy accessory loads, the battery life will be shortened proportionally to how deeply it is cycled on a regular basis.
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14. When should I consider a deep cycle?

Any time you need the battery to supply all the operating power for a vehicle or other device. Additionally, deep cycle batteries should be used in vehicles that have heavy accessory loads where the alternator cannot maintain the battery in a fully charged condition.
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15. What is a Gel Cell Battery?

A gel battery design is typically a modification of the standard lead acid automotive or marine battery. A gelling agent is added to the electrolyte to reduce movement inside the battery case. Many gel batteries also use one way valves in place of open vents, this helps the normal internal gasses to recombine back into water in the battery, reducing gassing.
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16. How does a Gel Cell compare to your deep cycle?

Most gel batteries have a much higher internal resistance, meaning they will not be able to deliver and receive current as efficiently. This is especially apparent at higher amperage levels. For example, most gel batteries will not work successfully in engine starting applications.
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17. When should I use a Deep Cycle OPTIMA as a Starting battery?

"Deep Cycle" batteries are designed for applications that require deep, repetitive amperage drain, like trolling motors, golf carts, and electric wheelchairs, or RV house power sources. However, there are other applications, called "Heavy Cycling" or "High Cycling", when a Deep Cycle OPTIMA can successfully replace a starting battery to provide longer life and better performance.
In heavy cycling or high cycling applications, a vehicle will pull unusually high amperage levels from the starting battery due to extra accessories or limited alternator capacity. Public safety professionals, such as police, fire, and ambulance fleet managers often find that traditional starting batteries cannot provide adequate life and performance due to heavy cycling. This is an excellent opportunity to provide your customer with longer life and better performance by using an OPTIMA Deep Cycle battery in this type of application.

In any vehicle or equipment that will use the battery only for Starting, Lighting, & Ignition requirements and has a properly working alternator, the OPTIMA Red Top Starting Battery will perform extremely well, often providing up to two to three times longer life than conventional batteries. If the vehicle has few or no after-market accessories and uses a stock or upgraded alternator, the OPTIMA Red Top Starting Battery is the appropriate choice.

Remember, it is possible for the customer to have a completely discharged Yellow Top OPTIMA that will not start their engine; the advantages of the Yellow Top are that it can accept a rapid recharge and it will recover from discharge many more times.

To provide the customer the best OPTIMA solution, it is, necessary to consider both the application and the charging system before recommending the correct OPTIMA. For example, if your customer has a Ford Expedition with an after-market alarm system, which OPTIMA would you recommend? If the customer drives the car every day, the Red Top would be the correct choice, since the amperage drain will be nominal and the battery would be recharged on a daily basis. However, if the customer stores the vehicle for a long period of time with the alarm system engaged, you should recommend the OPTIMA Yellow Top, since the amperage drain over several weeks would damage a Red Top and reduce its life.

[Loco1234]

FROM THE OPTIMA WEB SITE!
http://www.optimabatteries.com

The OPTIMA® is like no other battery found in today's market. OPTIMA's unique Spiralcell design offers the greatest technology in providing a strong and clean power source that far surpasses any of today's filled lead/acid batteries. With OPTIMA under your hood, you can count on a longer lasting battery life under starting and deep cycle applications. Today's power demand from cars, trucks, and SUVs are greater than ever. Over the course of the century we have upgraded and customized our vehicles in such a way never imagined by early engineers. There continue to be more lights, LCD screens, gaming systems, stereos, laptops, and cell phones going into cars, all demanding a greater power source. OPTIMA can provide all the power needed to run these power pulling vehicles. OPTIMA batteries always has safety in mind, with its spill-proof case it helps to ensure the safety of the environment, your family and you. Powerful, 2x longer-life, safety, spill-proof, vibration resistance, multi-position installation whether you're working, driving cross country or for just play, let OPTIMA help you maintain the power demands you require.



THE BEST OFFERED OPTIMA IS THE BLUE TOP!
http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/marine.html

My buddy has a Focus that is setup for an event called DB Drag Racing...

Basically it is a contest to see who can (on a decibel meter) hit the loudest in a set amount of time. (typical 1min or 30sec)
He often hits 154 decibel +......
....and blue top matches his unhood color scheme....LOL

[Loco1234]

IF ITS STEREO EQUIPMENT YOU WANNA POWER....

I'd suggest using an OPTIMA BLUE TOP under the hood and then a BATCAP in the trunk before you're ampilfier...

http://www.batcap.net/


These are also a very good solution to stop headlight dimming etc....

[ckadiddle]

My experience in FL is that the weather here kills batteries early, no matter what brand. The battery in my MM says AAA all over it cause AAA has a service that will come to me, test and change out the battery on the spot. No idea who really made it, and don't care. Carriea comparable prorated warranty similar to any others I have bought in the past. I think first year is free replacement then prorating begins. Cost was slightly higher than me picking one up at the store.

[gonzo50]

From-the-factory battery

I still have the Factory battery in mind and doing just fine.

Factory...hasn't done me wrong yet.

The Motocraft batteries are some of the best you'll ever find. My 96' f-450 went nearly 10 years before I decided to replace the twin group 65s.
My Marquis was on the original battery for nearly 10 years as well, I changed it for peace of mind.
Yep, still have the original factory battery in my Marauder, since Oct. 2002, hopefully it will last me another 4 plus years.:banana:

[jgc61sr2002]

Motorcraft replaced by dealer under warranty.

[RoyLPita]

Mine died after the my base warranty expired. I dropped in another Motorcraft with 3 years free replacement and pro-rated after that.

[Merc-O-matic]

Original MotorCraft battery...with DELTRAN Battery Tender Plus
to keep "everybody happy"!:D

Gotta Love It!

[Shora]

Still have all the Factory originals and they are G T G but replaced them with Optima red tops just for piece of mind...

:cool:

Seeing that many of the members here have used Motorcraft batteries for 4/6/8 plus years without problems has anyone actually used an Optima for a longer period of time?

I hear stories of OEM Batteries lasting 8 yrs plus, can someone tell us their actual experience with the Optimas? I too wouldn't mind spending a bit more for longer use/ dependability but not just for show (unless they come out with a lime green one so that I can pimp my ride).

[Smokie]

I use the battery that came with the car since June 2002.

[djbruce26]

I don't have that much experience with Optima batteries... nobody I know was ever willing to spend that much on a battery 10+ years ago... oh well.

On my 2001 CV my Motorcraft was having a hard time (but not dead) starting my car last November. I was getting worried about that since it was starting to get cold here... didn't want to get stranded in the cold somewhere. I replaced it with an Optima Red Top (For more CCA) and have been happy since.
Reason for failure: Loud stereo setup used for 30 minutes a day after turning the car off... then it sat... all day... never really recovered fully. After a few months of that it started to have a hard time starting my car.

Red Top:More Cold Cranking Amps than most other batteries, especially for its size. Still a slightly deep cycle battery. You can run a red top down below 50% charge fairly safely without worries. If you run them empty they will be damaged. If you run them below 30% more than a few times they will have some slight damage.

Yellow Top:Faster recovery/output, much more deep cycle (I've heard of them being safe down to 5%)


Being in a semi-cold climate but making a journey to MN every year during winter I decided to go with a Red Top as it would be better than a lead-acid for my stereo, but much more reliable when it came to starting my car in the cold. Since the red top install I've had my car in actuall temperature of -8 with no cover (meaning in the open). Car cranked and started in 1 to 2 seconds. That's not bad considering the temperature. (It had been sitting for about a day and a half too when this test occured).
I remember from living up in MN that my motorcraft never would have started THAT easily.

Longevity of Optima: Dunno yet personally... I've read the red tops are about twice the life cycle of all other batteries... so I guess I'll letya know in 15-20, right? <chuckles>

[grampaws]

OEM Motorcraft in all 3 of my Fords the F-150 Bat lasted
10 years and was changed only because some dumbaXX
kept leaving the lights on without the truck running when
unloading Trailer..boosting eventually fubar'd battery..
2001 Windstar has originall battery
as does the Marauder..otherwise use Interstate,AC delco or
Motorcraft batteries..Motomaster Batteries only seemed to
last 2 years and always needed replacing stopped using them..
Never tried Optima..Get mixed responses on them usually positive

[chuckled]

Factory original in my 94 F150 and my 03 MM. The '89 GT with 90 K has been changed once and reinstalled Motorcraft. Can't beat "em.

[crouse]

http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/automotive.html

Looks like the red tops are more oem replacements and the yellow tops are for extreme vehicles like those jumping low riders or a off road truck etc. I've wondered if these are lighter than the standard lead acid batteries.


What is so good about these optimas? What is the difference between yellow and red tops? Also, I think that Motorcraft makes some "heavy Duty" batts that are pretty good. My current (OEM) battery has been in the car since 2002 and it still works perfect and my Marauder goes 3-4 between drives since I have a beater.

[Loco1234]

I still say for all out performance from your battery the OPTIMA BLUE TOP...


....BUT.....
I have my stock motorcraft in my car as well..... and just changed my Motorcraft in my 2000 navigator in 2005 after 155,000mi...

P.S. I changed the motor at 150,000mi... so the battery outlasted the engine....

thats pretty good for stock....