Smokin' Optima's
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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Smokin' Optima's
Hey, I got a question for you guys. My dad is running an Optima Blue Top in his Scout, and it started smoking today while I was running it for tuning. I tested 13.4 V at the battery and directly at the back of the alternator. I can't think of what would cause this. Is anyone familiar with these batteries?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,335
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
Haven't had a problem with my red top. The battery is at least 8 years old. I used to have it in my 78 f100,I would only start that truck once every couple of months even in the winter,the battery never failed,truck turned over fine. I have had it in my 95 for the last 2 years,the kids have left the dome lights on several times. I just jumped the battery,let it run for a few minutes,and good as new. I think it was worth the $110 I paid for it several years ago!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,121
Likes: 1
From: Springfield, VA
Yeppers. Ask me how many loose wires I found on Paul's bronc ho!
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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Connections are good. That was the first thing I checked. I'm thinking that it may just be the box it's in. My dad built them into the floor in a closed battery box. Maybe just too much heat, although it doesn't seem like the battery should be putting off that much. Anyways, maybe I'll mount a small electrical fan in the wall to help cool. I'm pretty lost on this one.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7,669
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no, Im thinking a bad ground somewhere. Under normal use a battery doesnt get hot and certainly not hot enough to cause them to smoke.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,121
Likes: 1
From: Springfield, VA
Bad grounds are battery killers! Just because a connection is tight, doesn't mean it's a good connection. Make sure the metal under the terminal is clean and not rusted when you tighten that terminal down!
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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I'm aware of what a good connection is. I hit every connection I could with a wire brush until they were shiny bare metal. It's only the Optima though. I pulled my run-of-the-mill Prestolite wet cell from my F350 and ran it in there and didn't have any issue.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,121
Likes: 1
From: Springfield, VA
He can bitch at me all he wants' I'm gonna ask the same question as Optime. When did you buy it, and show me a receipt or your Warranty info that comes on the batteries.
And don't hate me because I get 2 group 31 batteries shipped to my house directly from Optima for a grand total of $200!
And don't hate me because I get 2 group 31 batteries shipped to my house directly from Optima for a grand total of $200!
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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Who's bitching? Just saying I'm aware of what a good connection is. I am a mechanic but I've never seen a dry cell smoke before. Wet-cells, sure, seen that plenty.
I guess I will be calling Optima. Saves me the headache of people who try to start bs drama on every new thread.
I guess I will be calling Optima. Saves me the headache of people who try to start bs drama on every new thread.
