Optima battery for 6-volt system?

Discussion in 'General Automotive Tech' started by Bruce2799, Dec 23, 2012.

  1. Bruce2799

    Bruce2799 Active Member

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    I'm considering a 6-volt "Optima Red Top" battery for my 8-cyl 1950 Pontiac wagon, (which has its original 6-volt system.) The car is balky to start when cold or sitting a week or so; I often run the current year-old lead-acid battery down before the car will finally start, even if spraying starting fluid in the carb. I've cleaned all the electrical connections. Has anyone made the switch to an Optima and seen improvement? The Optimas cost about double what a lead-acid battery costs.
     
    Bruce2799, Dec 23, 2012
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  2. MikeT1961

    MikeT1961 Well-Known Member

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    I think it was in Hemming's Classic Car they were showing a car that had the Optima batteries. Because they are so physically small, the guy had fitted two, so he had a total of about 1,600 cold cranking amps. He said it worked a treat.
     
    MikeT1961, Dec 23, 2012
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  3. unkldave

    unkldave Cockroach Dave

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    I would double up on the batteries if you can find the room. You have to hook em up like jumper cables and not in series. Pos+ to Pos+ and neg- to neg- that will get you more cranking amps and your generator will still charge both of the. You could also use a solenoid to keep them separate until you turn on the switch.
     
    unkldave, Dec 30, 2012
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  4. Bruce2799

    Bruce2799 Active Member

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    Interesting fix you're suggesting. I've made the plunge and ordered one Optima from a local source. If it seems to improve starting, I'll consider adding a second. (Two may almost fit since the oldstyle battery tray is 4.5x19 and each 6 volt Optima is just 3.5x10.) Thanks.
     
    Bruce2799, Dec 31, 2012
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  5. unkldave

    unkldave Cockroach Dave

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    I did this to my Suburban and I guess it is pretty common in 4X4's. Of course, it was a 12 volt system and I had a solenoid to separate them until I needed them or I could charge them both with the 200 amp alt I had on it. I never, NEVER EVER, got stuck with a dead battery. Even after getting a snoot full and leaving the headlights on all night!
     
    unkldave, Jan 1, 2013
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  6. jrwscout

    jrwscout New Member

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    I'm a fan of Optima batteries - the red top in my wagon didn't miss a beat when I had the electrical fire this past summer. The fire/electrical short burned up the alternator and voltage regulator but the Optima held up fine.
     
    jrwscout, Jan 1, 2013
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  7. Bruce2799

    Bruce2799 Active Member

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    Sounds good -- except that fire part. Thanks.
     
    Bruce2799, Jan 4, 2013
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  8. tailwagon

    tailwagon New Member

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    tailwagon, Jan 5, 2013
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