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Yellow Top Optimas

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Old Aug 4, 2005 | 10:47 PM
  #1  
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Yellow Top Optimas

Just purchased a clean used 2002 PSD and it has the original batteries. For peace of mind, I would like to change them out to Yellow Top Optimas, which have 750 CCA each. They are combination starting and deep cycle batteries.

Any one have experience with these batteries in a 7.3 PSD application? I have one in my Explorer and it is the best battery I have ever owned.

Of course, their footprint is smaller than the OEM battery, but an adapter is furnished which works nicely. Just wanted to be sure the 750 CCA ratings would be sufficient. Thanks for your help!

Mike
 
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Old Aug 4, 2005 | 11:51 PM
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From: lost angels
i put them in my 99 after i sunk it and they crank my 7.3 over faster then the interstates that were in there before,and yes the do come with adapters to fit in the trays
 
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Old Aug 5, 2005 | 05:47 AM
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I am told a lot of ranchers use them in their trucks in addition for starting, for extra power to auxillary things like winches, ect..

Optima makes a 900 CCA yellow top, but one would have to make deeper battery box to accomodate the extra height. And that would be a lot of work it seems, if the 750 CCA batteries will do the job.

Are the factory OEM batteries also 750 CCAs? Again, thanks for the help!

Mike
 
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Old Aug 5, 2005 | 10:25 PM
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I've had two yellow tops in the truck for about a year; I also replaced interstates. The optimas are fine so far...
 
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Old Aug 5, 2005 | 10:34 PM
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From: round rock, tx
do the Yellow Top Optimas fit right in w/o any major modifications?
 
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Old Aug 5, 2005 | 10:38 PM
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The best battery I've ever owned is a stock Motorcraft that's 8 years old and still going in my wife's '97 4.6L 30th Anniv Cougar...

As for Ford batteries, I've had 850CCA batteries, that fit in the space of the OEM 750, and they are regular lead-acid.
 
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Old Aug 5, 2005 | 10:48 PM
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yellow tops do fit right in (diesel X, dual trays). You just need to get the bracket. When I bought mine the bracket was in an attached plastic bag.
 
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Old Aug 5, 2005 | 10:58 PM
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Optimas are the best. I have only had one fail me. I have been living in AZ and that place is brutal on batteries. I have had Interstates last only 6 months.

Keep in mind, that if you ever think your Optima or any other gel battery is dead do not put it on a charger. It will explode.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2005 | 01:03 PM
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Why would it explode? Please let us know where you got this information.

Thanks,
Russ
 
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Old Aug 6, 2005 | 03:36 PM
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Optima is an Absorbed Glass Mat type battery, NOT a gel cell. It can be charged just like a lead acid battery.

Gel cell does have to be charged at a lower voltage than a lead acid or AGM battery.

Best reference is the West Marine catalogue, they have a very good article on the various types of batteries.

I have had a Grp 27 AGM battery for 4 years now, use it as the power for a Minn Kota trolling motor that is the power for the 8' inflatable boat that is the shore launch for my 26' Nordic Tug. Keep it charged in the garage, use it to power the 12V TV/VCR when we have our power failures. Beats sitting in the dark.

Put the charger on it for 24 hours, it is a "smart" charger that has 3 charging levels.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2005 | 04:37 PM
  #11  
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From: NE Tennessee
Yeah I killed a new optima battery by using the 'start' setting on my charger. Had a relay go bad and drain the battery. I learned the hard way to not fast charge one. I think 50 amp is the max they recommend. However I've wondered how a high amp alternator might affect em as they can do 130 amps or around there if the battery is real low.
 
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