batterys
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
batteries
I've been wondering that myself.
I'm looking into Optima batteries, but the Sears folks didn't have a diesel application in their listings.
I'm going to try the Optima website this weekend.
Post any information you come up with. I'll bet that some folks would like to know what others are finding.
I'm looking into Optima batteries, but the Sears folks didn't have a diesel application in their listings.
I'm going to try the Optima website this weekend.
Post any information you come up with. I'll bet that some folks would like to know what others are finding.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 1
From: MICHIGAN
Get the most CCA available (Cold Cranking Amps). Optimas are very $$ but will take a lot of punishment (vibrations). Heck you can even mount them upside down.
I use Deka brand batteries exclusively for over 10 years with no premature failures. It's a matter of personal preference and warranty IMO. Just get the highest CCA.
I use Deka brand batteries exclusively for over 10 years with no premature failures. It's a matter of personal preference and warranty IMO. Just get the highest CCA.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
Likes: 5
From: NJ where fun comes to die
I have had DEKA go bad, Sears and Motorcraft. It seems to be a crap shoot. I think there are only 2 or 3 battery companies anyway. The DEKA and Sears went bad after a few years. But last week one of my trucks had the Motorcraft go bad after only 9 months. They do have a good warranty. Replacement for 3 years, than pro rate. So I got 2 new ones free. I think I have electric gremlins that eat my batteries. Everybody seems to have good luck with batteries that I have problems with. Maybe I am not such a good reference for batteries.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
i'm still on my originals in my 97. replacing them before winter though. dont want to press my luck. probably going with motorcrafts again, but i'm a bit curious about the optimas.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by FFemt5287
i'm still on my originals in my 97. replacing them before winter though. dont want to press my luck. probably going with motorcrafts again, but i'm a bit curious about the optimas.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: troy, Mo
dave just an fyi for ya. Your batteries will keep going and then one day BLUH. They will just say enough is enough. Ask me how I know. I had motorcraft but at the time the warranty wasn't as good. I went with autozones duralast. I wanted optimas but the money facter jumped in there. The ones I got are 3 or 4 year free replacement and pro-rated after that. The next ones will be optimas. I have abused them too and they keep holding up. Be absolutely sure you have the posts and cables as clean as possible when putting them back on. Also be sure to get the terminals tight, if not your truck will not start. I forgot one time to tighten them after installing a new alternator and a day later ...no start. I wasn't to happy I thought I had a major problem until I happen to grab the negative terminal on one of the batteries and what do ya know. It started after being recleaned and tightened back down.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 3
From: River Valley AR
I am an avid supporter of deep cycle batteries, and IMO I Prefer Trojan batteries. The deep cycle batteries will hold up to repeated rundowns and recharging where a regular starting battery will not hold up as well.
If the battery manufacturer follows the BCI guidelines they will rate their deep cycle batteries in Amp-Hours rather than CCA. If you see CCA ratings on a battery that is supposed to be deep cycle, they probably don't want to compare their batteries apples to apples.
Deep cycle batteries will put out a LITTLE less peak amperage, but you will melt the starter before you run the battery down.
If you are unsure of your battery condition, check them two ways, first with a load tester, and second with a hydrometer. If they pass both tests they are probably OK. There are many battery protection sprays out there, but in my experience white lithium grease in an aerosol can works as good as anything, and has other uses too. Remove any corrosion using a baking soda and water mixture, don't mix it to the point that it is thick though and NEVER let it get down in to the cells.
Keep the tops of the batteries clean and only add distilled water.
Follow these suggestions and your batteries will last for a long time and serve you well, regardless of who makes them.
If the battery manufacturer follows the BCI guidelines they will rate their deep cycle batteries in Amp-Hours rather than CCA. If you see CCA ratings on a battery that is supposed to be deep cycle, they probably don't want to compare their batteries apples to apples.
Deep cycle batteries will put out a LITTLE less peak amperage, but you will melt the starter before you run the battery down.
If you are unsure of your battery condition, check them two ways, first with a load tester, and second with a hydrometer. If they pass both tests they are probably OK. There are many battery protection sprays out there, but in my experience white lithium grease in an aerosol can works as good as anything, and has other uses too. Remove any corrosion using a baking soda and water mixture, don't mix it to the point that it is thick though and NEVER let it get down in to the cells.
Keep the tops of the batteries clean and only add distilled water.
Follow these suggestions and your batteries will last for a long time and serve you well, regardless of who makes them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 14psd
dave just an fyi for ya. Your batteries will keep going and then one day BLUH.
just recently I had my GPR take a dump so I really worked the batteries showing no signs of weakness while cranking.
I do have one battery that is not quite as strong as the other but still is acceptable.
Thanx for the advise, I'll keep that in mind, I'll start throwing my home made welder/jumper cables in the truck when I venture out and my buddy with his deisil is always in the area. I only use the truck 2 or 3 times a month and I have a back up car to boot so it aint so bad
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
My wife and I joined CostCo (Nampa, ID) awhile back shortly after it opened.
The batteries I purchased yesterday are Kirkland and have 900 CCA. The cost for one is $61 and change each (I bought two, diesels, you know?) and that includes the core charge, ($5 each). I haven't installed them yet. It rained today.
I've never used the Kirkland brand of batteries and I'm not even sure who makes this brand. They're 100 month batteries, so I thought I'd give them a try and see what happens.
The batteries I purchased yesterday are Kirkland and have 900 CCA. The cost for one is $61 and change each (I bought two, diesels, you know?) and that includes the core charge, ($5 each). I haven't installed them yet. It rained today.
I've never used the Kirkland brand of batteries and I'm not even sure who makes this brand. They're 100 month batteries, so I thought I'd give them a try and see what happens.