What battery are you using now

[Lenny]

Going to have to replace the battery in my car.

What battery are you using?

Is anyone using "Sealed" batteries?

I don't check the levels in the battery and living in the heat of Florida batteries don't last.

[Michael]

I would go with an Interstate. Optimas suck, run away.

Now I am going to ignore my own advice because the battery in my work van is going bad so I am getting an AC Delco(friend is hooking me up) and I will take the Interstate from my DeLorean for the van and put the AC in the Delorean.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I would go with an Interstate. Optimas suck, run away.

Now I am going to ignore my own advice because the battery in my work van is going bad so I am getting an AC Delco(friend is hooking me up) and I will take the Interstate from my DeLorean for the van and put the AC in the Delorean.

Interstate does not carry many sealed batteries (at my tire stores or garages). I usually buy the least expensive sealed battery at Walmart or Sears.

[Helirich]

Optimas use to be good. I knew one of the designers of it. They were sold to the Mexicans and now the quality fell off. He went to work for Northstar. He has retired since, but they still make the best battery in my opinion.

[Michael]

Optimas use to be good. I knew one of the designers of it. They were sold to the Mexicans and now the quality fell off. He went to work for Northstar. He has retired since, but they still make the best battery in my opinion.

I always thought the most expensive was the best but after I went through 3 Optimas in like 5 years, I started asking queations and learned about them selling out. Just like the Bosch fuel pumps and pretty much everything else.

When I heard about DieHard batteries making a comeback I started researching as I was going to get one just for the novelty/history but the only thong about DieHard today that is the same from 20 years ago is the decal on the battery case.

[Helirich]

I always thought the most expensive was the best but after I went through 3 Optimas in like 5 years, I started asking queations and learned about them selling out. Just like the Bosch fuel pumps and pretty much everything else.

When I heard about DieHard batteries making a comeback I started researching as I was going to get one just for the novelty/history but the only thong about DieHard today that is the same from 20 years ago is the decal on the battery case.

Most battery manufacturers went south of the border because of over regulation. They might have come back, not now. Chrome plating is also pretty much gone in this country. Fiberglass shops is probably next.

[DMCMW Dave]

I would go with an Interstate. Optimas suck, run away.

Now I am going to ignore my own advice because the battery in my work van is going bad so I am getting an AC Delco(friend is hooking me up) and I will take the Interstate from my DeLorean for the van and put the AC in the Delorean.

Interstate changed manufacturers a couple of years ago and the quality went to shit. Delco is the better option now.

[Michael]

Interstate changed manufacturers a couple of years ago and the quality went to shit. Delco is the better option now.

That explains why my work van battery lasted a year. I got an Interstate "blem" from the battery guy for like 60 bucks (no warranty but 60 bucks is pretty cheap). The Interstate in my DeLorean is about 3 years old so it should be good for a bit longer in daily driver mode.

Sounds like AC Delco is the new Interstate/is the new Optima.

[CFI]

Last summer I replaced my battery with a Super Start Extreme from O’Reilly. I think it is made in the USA but I’m not sure. Anyway, it was a fair price and available locally, and came with a 3 year free replacement nationwide warranty.

[dmcnc]

I have a Northstar (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GS35RJ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1), which perhaps is overkill - but has worked flawlessly over the last two years. Made in Springfield, Missouri.

[Mark D]

...shit...

holy forking shirtballs, Dave just made a swear!

Good to know on the Delco batteries though, I'm due to replace mine again.

[Helirich]

I have a Northstar (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GS35RJ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1), which perhaps is overkill - but has worked flawlessly over the last two years. Made in Springfield, Missouri.

Why would it be overkill? One of the most irritating things is a car the runs good, but doesn't start. When I hit that starter, I want 1.21 giga watts turning that motor over.

[dn010]

I've got walmart batteries in both my D and my '57 cadillac. I know. But they've both lasted for 5+ years now with limited use. One thing that helped is whatever cure I gave my D when I did my engine swap; prior to doing it my battery would be flat if I didn't start the car after 7 days. Now, it can go a month without getting so low I can't start the car. I would not get these batteries for anything used daily.

[Mark D]

Pretty much all brands are made by either Johnson Controls (sold/rebranded as Clarios in 2019) or Exide. It's really difficult to get a straight answer regarding which brands are made by what company just by searching on the internet. It seems like it changes frequently and depends on the specific type of battery.

From the few minutes of googling I did, it looks like interstate used to be made by JC and is now made by Exide. The AC Delco batteries are now made by JC and the Everstart branded walmart batteries are made by JC.

I recently had a battery fail (bad cell) on my wife's Explorer after less than a year. That one was a Autozone / Duralast Gold brand which had a 3 year warranty so I got a replacement for free. It was still a pain in the ass to change it though when it was -10deg outside.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Last time I was getting tires and waiting I saw all they had were interstate batteries and non were sealed. So I guess they get these really cheap so they charge the going battery rate and still make plenty of money.

[DMC-81]

I was going to recommend Interstate as I'm still running the battery that Tony installed before I bought the car in August 2013, as it's approaching 8 years reliable service, but after the feedback above, I wont.

Such a shame. RIP Interstate reputation.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=53833&d=1507252055

[ssdelorean]

I would go with an Interstate. Optimas suck, run away.


Optimas use to be good. I knew one of the designers of it. They were sold to the Mexicans and now the quality fell off. He went to work for Northstar. He has retired since, but they still make the best battery in my opinion.


I always thought the most expensive was the best but after I went through 3 Optimas in like 5 years, I started asking queations and learned about them selling out. Just like the Bosch fuel pumps and pretty much everything else.

When I heard about DieHard batteries making a comeback I started researching as I was going to get one just for the novelty/history but the only thong about DieHard today that is the same from 20 years ago is the decal on the battery case.

Over the past 5 years I have heard alot of talk about Optimas being bad/junk etc. Exactly the time frame of Michael's bad experience with them. Back in the day they were touted as the cat's meow, so that prompted me to check out the Red Top Optima. I was lucky and purchased before the sellout I guess, cause mine lasted 10years of daily driving before it decided to blow up last April.

After hearing the explosion (not knowing what it was), I continued to drive home for about an hour and a half. Upon exiting the car my passenger noticed some smoke from behind the seat. The top had separated along one of the seams and wet all over the compartment. Being a bit lexDysic, off the top of my head I can't remember if I now have a DieHard or Duralast?

[Rich]

What battery are you using?

Is anyone using "Sealed" batteries?

Answers in reverse order:

A. I'm not using a sealed battery. Standard batteries don't lose water as far as I know.

B. I use nothing but Costco (Interstate private branded?) batteries in the D. Great warranty service so if Interstate batteries are somehow worse now I'm still covered.

The one I bought last month cost $90 before tax. Group 78, 800CCA. Plug and play.

They typically last 4-5 years in our (garaged) DeLorean. It's fitted with a solid state door lock module. With that parasitic load minimized the battery stays charged 5 wks between starts if I need it to - no battery isolation switch required.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I'm not using a sealed battery. Standard batteries don't lose water as far as I know.

I had a few cars where there is a battery cover and then you would forget to add water (yes the ones with the three cell covers do loose water). Forgot that for a few batteries and then said have to have sealed from then on. Those covers hide the fact the battery is not sealed.

[Ron]

+1 for Delco (best bang for bucks, imho).

Good link about batteries HERE (https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/articles/5-battery-types-explained-sealed-agm-gel.html).

[Quinn]

The previous owner of my car installed a yellow top Optima battery about 3 years ago. I haven't had any problems with it so far.

[Gregadeth]

I just replaced mine with a Champion brand from Pep Boys. The battery that was in the car when I bought it was a cheap one not to mention incorrect size/spec, but it worked fine and lasted more than 6 years. I drive my car regularly so that probably helps too.
65780

[Alex Brooks]

I run A sealed AMG battery in mine. I forget the name but its supposed to be made in the USA has some dumb name like "Entimidator " I bought it from a local battery shop Bend Battery . Really good people great warranty they replaced it at no cost when it failed days before the warranty ran out.
Battery only failed be my delorean shop ran the battery totally flat.

[David T]

The *best* battery is one that is not too expensive, will last at least 5 years, is the proper size, and is a national brand. If you are traveling, have battery trouble, and have a battery you bought that is not a national brand they will not pro-rate the old battery. I used to buy Sears because there was always one wherever you went. Interstate is a good brand, at least here in the Northeast. Very popular and most shops will pro-rate a bad one. They are a decent quality and if you don't abuse it by letting it go "flat", use the proper hold-down hardware, and keep the terminals clean, it will last a long time. The main key to keeping a lead-acid battery lasting a long time is to always keep it fully charged. Draining all of the electric out of it shortens it's life dramatically. They also don't usually fail unexpectedly like the sealed, gel cell type batteries like the Optimas. The ordinary lead-acid batteries usually give you some advance warning before dying completely. Use a battery tender to keep the battery fully charged when you are not using the car.

[Alex Brooks]

The *best* battery is one that is not too expensive, will last at least 5 years, is the proper size, and is a national brand. If you are traveling, have battery trouble, and have a battery you bought that is not a national brand they will not pro-rate the old battery. I used to buy Sears because there was always one wherever you went. Interstate is a good brand, at least here in the Northeast. Very popular and most shops will pro-rate a bad one. They are a decent quality and if you don't abuse it by letting it go "flat", use the proper hold-down hardware, and keep the terminals clean, it will last a long time. The main key to keeping a lead-acid battery lasting a long time is to always keep it fully charged. Draining all of the electric out of it shortens it's life dramatically. They also don't usually fail unexpectedly like the sealed, gel cell type batteries like the Optimas. The ordinary lead-acid batteries usually give you some advance warning before dying completely. Use a battery tender to keep the battery fully charged when you are not using the car.

I'm happy with the batteries I buy from a locally owned business and made in the USA and they will replace the battery free of charge if it fails inside the warranty period or just outside. I don't feel bad paying a little more for a tag that says made in the USA. if 200 dollars-ish for a new battery on the road is gonna make or break a trip you probably should have stayed home.

[Chris4099]

For my regular cars, I've always gotten the cheapest lead acid battery I could find and then replace every 5 years. After that, it wasn't worth the risk for me to be stuck somewhere needing a jump start. Just replace as preventative maintenance and be done with it. However for my D, I go with a good quality AGM (not Optima). Being inside the car, a sealed battery that doesn't outgas seems like a really good idea. My previous AGM was a Diehard Platinum which I believe was made by Odyssey at the time. That lasted nearly 10 years. Keep in mind I don't use a battery cutoff switch so it's always in the process of being drained (I fixed the high standby current items in the D so it could go weeks between starts with no issues). I knew it was dying as the car started to crank slower after even just a week of being parked.

I'm currently running an AutoZone Duralast PlatinumAGM for the last few years now. No issues yet for what it's worth. Otherwise if you have the money, an Odyssey battery seems like a good way to go as well.

[DMC-Ron]

Are AGM batteries available with just the side connectors? In other words, without the combination top and side.

Ron

[Chris4099]

Are AGM batteries available with just the side connectors? In other words, without the combination top and side.

This is the one I'm currently running from Autozone which has side posts only:
https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/duralast-platinum-agm-battery-78-agm-group-size-78-740-cca/319462_0_0

My previous one had top posts as well, but I just kept the plastic caps on it. Being inside a fiberglass box, I wasn't worried about those posts somehow shorting out.

[Rich]

Being inside the car, a sealed battery that doesn't outgas seems like a really good idea. My previous AGM was a Diehard Platinum...

Nothing wrong with running an AGM in a D, only keep in mind that the car was designed to use a standard "maintenance free" (non-AGM) battery.

The normal issue of battery outgassing was addressed in the design; the car's battery compartment is directly vented to atmosphere in back.

Here is the part that does that (https://store.delorean.com/108107-battery-compartment-vent.html). Check the lower inboard area of the rt rear wheel well to find it.

By the way, even a "sealed" or AGM battery can outgas. They're fitted with a pressure relief valve that vents excess hydrogen in case of a charging system malfunction. Normally they don't outgas.

So you can't lose either way.

[David T]

While you *can* use an AGM or gel cell type battery, the voltage regulator inside the alternator was not designed to properly charge them. One reason that don't last as long as they should. The voltage regulator modifies the output based on engine speed, system voltage and load, AND ambient temperature. Not the same profile for a lead-acid battery and an AGM. If you are worried about a battery all you have to do is carry a portable jump pack. The newest ones are very small and very powerful and even if you don't need it, chances are you will find someone who will and it is much better and safer to give a jump with a battery pack than off of the car's electrical system.

[Helirich]

While you *can* use an AGM or gel cell type battery, the voltage regulator inside the alternator was not designed to properly charge them. One reason that don't last as long as they should.

While this maybe true, AGM batteries last considerably longer than lead acid. I don't buy stuff because it will be available on the road. (Obviously, since I have a Delorean) I buy stuff that is quality and change/upgrade to make "on the road" service unnecessary. If that doesn't work, I carry a credit card, phone and gun.

[David T]

A AAA card is also handy to have.

[Chris 16409]

I run A sealed AMG battery in mine. I forget the name but its supposed to be made in the USA has some dumb name like "Entimidator " I bought it from a local battery shop Bend Battery . Really good people great warranty they replaced it at no cost when it failed days before the warranty ran out.
Battery only failed be my delorean shop ran the battery totally flat.

East Penn Manufacturing makes the Deka Intimidator AGM batteries. I believe they make the various store brands as well. I have the O'Reilly version Super Start Platinum 78PLT battery. So far it's been a good battery.

[alker]

While you *can* use an AGM or gel cell type battery, the voltage regulator inside the alternator was not designed to properly charge them. One reason that don't last as long as they should. The voltage regulator modifies the output based on engine speed, system voltage and load, AND ambient temperature. Not the same profile for a lead-acid battery and an AGM. If you are worried about a battery all you have to do is carry a portable jump pack. The newest ones are very small and very powerful and even if you don't need it, chances are you will find someone who will and it is much better and safer to give a jump with a battery pack than off of the car's electrical system.

I run since ~4 years an AGM battery (Banner, Europe brand) without any issues. My portable jump pack I carry with me is to help others :-)