Gel Battery
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Elder User
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From: Robbinsville NJ
Gel Battery
A buddy of mine works at a Chevy dealer. They just got a huge shipment of Delco Gel batteries in. Apparently the new vettes use them and if they sit for more then 2 weeks without being used they go dead.
Does anyone know if the Optima batteries have the same problem?
Rich
Does anyone know if the Optima batteries have the same problem?
Rich
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Optima's do not have problems, they are simply the best battery technology on the planet for automotive applications. In our desert heat, you're lucky to get 18 months out of a lead-acid battery. I've had one in a Toyota P/U for over 6 years, and recently replaced them (diesel = 2) in my SD. You pay a little more up front, but I figure on my Toyota they've paid themselves twice over against pro-rated 'lifetime' lead acid batteries.
That being said, Interstate and others (NAPA?) are private labelling the Optima for their line. I don't know anything specific about the Chevy gel battery, but you can get them on-line at tna-sports.com. Solid price wih shipping included, I got mine two days after order.
That being said, Interstate and others (NAPA?) are private labelling the Optima for their line. I don't know anything specific about the Chevy gel battery, but you can get them on-line at tna-sports.com. Solid price wih shipping included, I got mine two days after order.
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From: Phoenix, AZ
After re-reading your original post, it doesn't sound like a battery issue at all. Likely an electrical problem with the vette draining the battery while the ignition is off. Of course, dealer service shops tend to take the path of least resistance (
) and replace batteries at will - a lot easier than truly diagnosing the problem properly.
Reference my post about my Toyota, it sits in the garage for months at a time and fires right up. The only thing running I am aware of is the clock, probably not so with the electronic wizardry of a vette.
) and replace batteries at will - a lot easier than truly diagnosing the problem properly. Reference my post about my Toyota, it sits in the garage for months at a time and fires right up. The only thing running I am aware of is the clock, probably not so with the electronic wizardry of a vette.
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From: SE Pennsylvania
If I recall, the OEM spec is something like 34 days. A vehicle needs to sit idle for the period and still start.
The only draw back I have ever heard about gel batteries / spiral cell technology is that they give and receive charge at a lesser rate than the acid type. I think they are silver oxide now with the lead being a no-no now. If you have a high amp draw vehicle and corresponding high output charging system, you may be disappointed with the spiral scene. Just my .02
The only draw back I have ever heard about gel batteries / spiral cell technology is that they give and receive charge at a lesser rate than the acid type. I think they are silver oxide now with the lead being a no-no now. If you have a high amp draw vehicle and corresponding high output charging system, you may be disappointed with the spiral scene. Just my .02
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Littleton, Colorado
Originally posted by 92GT5ohRed
If I recall, the OEM spec is something like 34 days. A vehicle needs to sit idle for the period and still start.
The only draw back I have ever heard about gel batteries / spiral cell technology is that they give and receive charge at a lesser rate than the acid type. I think they are silver oxide now with the lead being a no-no now. If you have a high amp draw vehicle and corresponding high output charging system, you may be disappointed with the spiral scene. Just my .02
If I recall, the OEM spec is something like 34 days. A vehicle needs to sit idle for the period and still start.
The only draw back I have ever heard about gel batteries / spiral cell technology is that they give and receive charge at a lesser rate than the acid type. I think they are silver oxide now with the lead being a no-no now. If you have a high amp draw vehicle and corresponding high output charging system, you may be disappointed with the spiral scene. Just my .02
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 119
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From: SE Pennsylvania
My bad, I was crossing technologies. Optima is not "gel" technology but they are spiral cell. My hangup was with the gel batteries and their charge rate. Thanks for the note !
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.
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
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.
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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