Hmm, what is the AH rating on these batteries? This is/was an 850CCA battery.... I was figuring that at that rating 40amps wouldn't be that high, but then I guess I was confusing AH with CA... It is a smart charger and should only put in what is needed. It doesn't normally put that much amperage into anything unless it's WAY low on power... (And I selected that high a charge)
They do seem to last pretty well. I was just thinking that the other day when my wife reminded me that we changed the one in her Sube before in 99' or 00' at the latest and it's still going strong. Hers isn't an Optima, but is a gel cell Champion or something... Levi On 12/12/06, Jim Cathey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> -My Subaru's been neglected while I've been driving the Benz and the > Optima > I had in there went dead over the last stint. Went to charge it > yesterday > and it was taking a good 30+ amps for a while, then seemed to slow > down. > Left it on there overnight and was sure it would be done this morning, > but > low and behold it was pumping in more than 20 amps and the battery was > REALLY hissing, blowing smoke (or steam or whatever) and smelled > something > like eggs... > I'm assuming that's no a good sign and the battery is probably toast, > but > what causes that? I guess I thought the gel cells didn't really do > that... It's dead, Jim. 30+ amps is too hot a charge for unattended use, for safety reasons. (Nor does it do them any good either, most batteries prefer being charged at well under 10% of their AH rating.) A good 6-10A charger is all you need for regular use. The hot chargers are mostly for the "I can't wait" crowd, like mechanics on flat rate. No lead-acid battery likes being run flat, it's just that the Optimas tolerate it a little better than the others. They're also sealed better (unless you cook them), and will run in any position. But they cost a lot more, and have less capacity than regulars. Treated well they will probably last longer. (And by "well", run flat and then cooked doesn't qualify! :-) I have either a charge maintainer or a knife switch on our vehicles that don't see regular service. I hate batteries. My electric shaver plugs in. Norelco 2-header from the late 50's, was my grandfather's. Now _that's_ service! -- Jim _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
