Deep Cycling Optima Yellow Top Battery

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by JC91006, Jun 17, 2014.

  1. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I've been playing around with an Optima Yellow Top for about 3 months, draining and recharging the battery. I think I've done this about 6 times now, from 13volts down to about 8 volts. It seems to be still holding a full charge after a recharge. I'm somewhat impressed so far........
     
    #1 JC91006, Jun 17, 2014
  2. Easy Rider

    Easy Rider Active Member

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    OK.....so are you saying that you think the results would be any different with other high quality AGM type batteries under the same conditions ?

    If so, what leads you to believe that ??
     
    #2 Easy Rider, Jun 17, 2014
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I was reading that Toyota batteries are not good at constant deep discharges. Optima calls their batteries "deep cycle" to not be affected by deep discharges and is able to still operate normally after discharging fully. To my understanding, Toyota batteries aren't as good at that.

    So I put the optima battery to test to see if this "deep cycle" holds true, and so far, it holds true.
     
    #3 JC91006, Jun 17, 2014
  4. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    I would say that 8 volts is too low for any type of lead acid battery. At that point irreversible changes are taking place. 10.5V is about the limit if you want longevity.
     
    #4 nh7o, Jun 17, 2014
  5. Easy Rider

    Easy Rider Active Member

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    But if you want to REALLY stress it as a test you probably would want to go beyond the "normal" limits.

    I do agree with you though........and wonder what he intends to DO with this test battery after he is done testing.
    I certainly would NOT trust it in my car.
     
    #5 Easy Rider, Jun 18, 2014
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It's an extra battery, not sure what I'll do with it. Right now it's used to power my equipment in my garage, attached an inverter to it. It's not used all the time, so basically simulating being in a car that sits for a while. The voltage doesn't seem to drop over a 2 week period, so it does hold its charge.....but saying that, it is a new battery from Dec 2013.
     
    #6 JC91006, Jun 18, 2014
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