Battery

[fastblackmerc]

My Optima Red Top just died after 4 years and 1 month.... not bad for a 3 warranty. That battery has been brought back from the dead more times than I can remember.

Looking for another battery I thought I'd go with a Sears DieHard. Found this:

The P-2 Platinum Automotive Battery from DieHard features 135 minutes of reserve capacity and 930 cold cranking amps. Its corrosion-resistant high quality tin-coated brass terminals provide reliable starting power in all weather conditions. Its rugged, military-grade construction features robust casing for increased compression and offers superior vibration resistance, making it ideal for off-road applications.

* Longer off-season storage time - show cars & classic cars
* Ideal for luxury vehicles with multiple electronic accessories
* Plates made of 99.99% pure virgin lead
* High purity grade acid held safely in place by glass mats; non-spillable design
* Absorbed Glass Mat construction provides mounting flexibility & guarantees longer service life
* 4-Year Free Replacement; 100-Month Prorated Limited Warranty

Dimensions:
Height: 7-2/5 in.
Length: 11-4/5 in.
Width (in.): 7-1/5 in.
Product Overview:
Item Weight (lbs.): 60.0 lbs.
Battery Type:
Group Size: 65
Temperate Zone: North or South
Transportation Type: Passenger car and light commercial
Power Configuration:
Voltage: 12.0
Power Ratings:
Amp Hours at 20 Hour Rate: 75
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA at 0 deg.F): 930
Reserve Capacity (RC): 135 min.
Design & Construction:
Container Material: Polycarbonate/polyester
Warranties & Coverage:
Months in Use Free Replacement: 48
Months in Use Pro Rated Replacement: 100

930 CCA!

4 year free replacement!

After the first 4 years... an additional 52 months prorated replacement!

Of course all that comes at a cost......

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/DieHardPlatimiumBattery.jpg

[SILVERSURFER03]

interstate i like ..... plus get battery tender haha

[capt512]

The thing I would be weary about with that Diehard is how long sears will be around to honor that warranty...only sears auto centers will honor, and many fiscal reports are showing a total closing of Sears stores by beginning of 2012. Don't know if motorcraft has what you need, but after having multiple of the highest end batteries from advance auto that only lasted a year or two and where near impossible to have replaced, I go motorcraft or interstate now. 9 or so years out of a battery (my motorcrafts) is about all you can ask of any battery imo.

[Ozark Marauder]

I've always had good luck with the Motorcraft batteries. A lot of members have upgraded their stock battery to this Motorcraft battery

P/N
BXT-65-850
Cold crank @ 0
875
Cranking amps @ 32
1090
Reserve Capacity (Minutes)
165
Dimensions L W H
12.03 (306) 7.47 (190) 7.63 (194)
Weight (lb)
52

100-month limited pro rata/36-month FREE
replacement on Tested Tough MAX (BXT)
batteries.

Cost at Ford dealer was $119.99 ($20 more than stock BXT-65-650), plus $7.50 core charge. Might be more where you are.........

[RF Overlord]

Diehards USED to be the cat's ass of batteries...they may still be, but if Sears is shut, then bye-bye warranty.

Diehard, Interstate, and Motorcraft are all made by Johnson Controls. :up:

[Bigdogjim]

Diehards USED to be the cat's ass of batteries...they may still be, but if Sears is shut, then bye-bye warranty.

Diehard, Interstate, and Motorcraft are all made by Johnson Controls. :up:

Johnson Controls also makes batterys for Wal-Mart:)

I got 8+ years out of the factory motorcaft and replaced with another:up: Went with the 850 amps.

My pick-up however has the Wal-mart battery:)

[Bluerauder]

I got 91 months out of my OEM Motorcraft BXT-65-650. Not complaining at all. Replaced it with the same from Motorcraft. If it ain't broke ... don't fix it. ;)

[crouse]

I'm still on my factory battery. 9 years old. When it dies, I'll get another Motorcraft battery. I like the factory original look. Nothing bugs me more than to see a perfectly restored car, with an ugly green Interstate battery under the hood.

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

I went with a Costco battery. Replaced it after 37 months.
They gave me a full refund on the original.

[screamn]

+1 on Costco Battery plus has more CCA than original.

I was selling my P71 which I just put Costco Battery & decided to swap it out with the original Marauder battery. Costco was only 8 months old while Marauder battery was original (2004).

To each his own.

I think its just luck when batteries go way past the warranty.

A battery tender also helps when not using the vehicle on daily basis.

[Bluerauder]

I think its just luck when batteries go way past the warranty.

I believe that the OEM Motorcraft battery had a 100 month warranty. I got 91 months and am not complaining at all. I replaced it will another 100 month battery. If I get another 7.5 years out of it, I'll be happy.

I remember when batteries were sold with 24, 36 and 48 month guarantees. It was a big deal when the 60 month "long life" batteries came out and that was more than 40 years ago.

Battery technology has evolved and advanced over the years .... and the price is still comparitively about the same .... certainly not as inflated as other things like ...... cars.

[Zim Hosein]

Just chiming in that w/ fellow members recommendations from this site I replaced the original factory battery w/ a Motorcraft BXT-65-850 and haven't had any issues at all. Due to my schedule, the Marauder sits for more than two weeks w/ out being started and starts like a champ each and every time regardless of the temperature outside. Just my 2¢, I hope this helps fastblackmerc. :)

[burt ragio]

OEM still ticking. When it comes time it will be a Motorcraft.

[william s]

My OEM battery lasted 7 years. That is not bad for Wi. It gets cold here. I replaced my battery with a Motorcraft, about the same price as DieHard $104.00.

[Mr. Man]

I put Interstate 1000/850 in both our MM's. So far no complaints from the cheap seats, and you know where I like to sit.;)

[GreekGod]

Quality is more important than any warranty. Motorcraft & Die-Hard are both excellent - you cannot go wrong with either.

-----------------------

[TFB]

What it all boils down to is ALL batteries will eventually fail and just hope it isn't in a particularity inconvenient place, like at the casino or maybe behind your girlfriends house at 2AM...

I have five licensed vehicles here and three more that are started occasionally, none have the same brand of battery, though no doubt some were mfg'd by the same company... My Marauder has a battery from some farm supply in Arkansas, I believe it was mfg'd by Exide, can't remember for sure...

EDIT

Whoops I have to take the part back about all being different brands, I have a '88 Turbo Coupe that has the original Motorcraft from my '98 Grand Marquis(replaced at 12 years because I didn't trust it), also my '07 Grand Marquis has it's original Motorcraft battery... Last time I started the Turbo Coupe to cut grass behind the garage it fired right up, that battery has passed 13 years and still crankin'(at least it did two weeks ago)... Of course the T-Coupe has a low compression 4cyl, doesn't take much to spin one of those...

[Ms. Denmark]

oops! See Mr. Man's post...

[gdmjoe]

Still have the original Motorcraft battery. Still going strong after 9years.

In MI the vehicle is in hibernation for 6months of the year and the battery gets charged once a month for each of 'em.

When it does die, it will be replaced with another Motorcraft.
.

[Baaad GN]

Ok I know someone will bitc- at me about this but I'm gonna put it out their anyway. I hate Wallmart being I believe they take job's from the USA but I have several freinds who bought batteries there, all worked well and every three/four years they take them back and say the don't work anymore, true? You be the Judge but if under 4 years they give them a new battery! Not once have they checked them to see if battery was good! I know not cool to say this but Walmart is not giving the money to their employee's!

[boatmangc]

I have been using DEKA brand batteries in my trade and my vehicles for 20 years.
Frankly, with proper maintenance most batteries are capable of going well past their expiration date.
I have switched all of my vehicle batteries to DEKA's AGM batteries.
I find on many of the new marine engines I work on they seem to be much more stable, and prevent many erroneous electronic faults.
I think the AGM series is (so far) an equal to the Optima batteries. I just can't see paying that much more for them.
I get the DEKA's at dealer cost so they are economical for me.

[MAROGER]

Interesting info,, seems most of the batteries mentioned here come from the same place---------->http://bestbatterytips.com/tags/who-makes-motorcraft-batteries/

I like the OEM look myself

[Baaad GN]

Hey Boatmangc you work on boats? I have a volvo bigblock and twin screw outdrive on my boat, absolutely love it! Had merc's in the passed and don't think I'll buy another!

[Mercguy04]

If your looking for a battery that does it all then

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/applications/auto.htm

[TFB]

If your looking for a battery that does it all then

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/applications/auto.htm

Well if nothing else, it puts a serious $$$ drain on your wallet...

Says it has expected lifetime of 5-8 years, most of the OEM Motorcraft batteries have lasted about the same...

[GordonB]

Replaced both MMs' batteries with Motorcrafts, about 1 year apart (last spring, this spring). Got amost 7 yrs out of each. Good enought for me.

GordonB

[stevengerard]

bringing this back up as its that time of year, my original battery still works but is losing its power, I trickle charge it occasionally but the tester at a couple of shops said the battery is going. Mine lasted almost 8 years! I don't buy much at Walmart but heck there is one down the block. I did recently watch a show where they were making batteries. I do believe it was Odyssey and they make them here in the USA with purer lead (99%) and that's what helps the longevity they say.

[tbone]

I know my Motorcraft battery is at least 4 years old, because that's how long ago I bought the car. I think it is the original. When I had a no start last winter, the car cranked forever without any draining down whatsoever and it was frickin COLD outside. Motorcraft FTW!

[ctrlraven]

I've had my Interstate Megatron battery for over 4 years now on the MM, works great. I think the battery on my Taurus is on it's way out the door so I'll replace the factory battery with an Interstate. The only reason why I use them is I get them at cost price. I like having a serviceable battery so I can actually check and test the battery acid.

[stevengerard]

As I was going to Costco to buy some food today I saw an Interstate battery truck outside the tire shop. I talked to the guy sure enough he said Diehard, Interstate, Kirkland (Costco) and Motorcraft are all made by Johnson Controls. The battery cost me $85.00 - $40 less than sears, Ford and Autozone.

By the way the Ford dealer wanted to charge me to test the battery and notified me that I needed to wait @ 1 - 2 hours for the next service guy:mad:. You'd think Ford could train the service manager to use a battery tester:shake:

[boatmangc]

I have a Deka AGM in mine, I use Dekas only in the marine trade. Great warranty, Mine came with a 75 month but I have been buying batteries from the same guy for 20 years so I got the hookup.

[a_d_a_m]

Another vote for the Motorcraft!

I just replaced my OE battery on the Marauder earlier this year.

And the OE battery on my '04 Marquis is still kickin' ass!

[Red91LX]

I like the factory original look. Nothing bugs me more than to see a perfectly restored car, with an ugly green Interstate battery under the hood.

You said it! :beer:

[GreekGod]

I would like to get a pretty Hello Kitty pink battery for my '03 MM. Where to look?

================

[B.C. Bake]

I did replace mine with the Optima Gel Cell, been using them for years also made by Johnson Controls. Great results in the Vegas Heat...;)

[Bigdogjim]

Ok I know someone will bitc- at me about this but I'm gonna put it out their anyway. I hate Wallmart being I believe they take job's from the USA but I have several freinds who bought batteries there, all worked well and every three/four years they take them back and say the don't work anymore, true? You be the Judge but if under 4 years they give them a new battery! Not once have they checked them to see if battery was good! I know not cool to say this but Walmart is not giving the money to their employee's!

I have listened to people slam W-M for years (topic come up on the tour coach now and agin) and I was in a local W-M one afternoon returning an item and a guy had two W-M batteries in a shopping cart, I asked him if they pro-rate them or tested 'em and he said "nope just tell me to go back and get two more) :) So the vendor takes it on the chin as the cost of selling at W-M. Not a huge fan of W-M either but the parking lot is always full.
After watching the the transaction beeing completed I thought might as well get a battery for the pick-up while I am here.

[scoutrjp]

Buy your Battery at Sams Club. This came from a boat form but applies to automative also.




I just came from my local Sam's Club and noticed that they have changed their battery manufacturer from JCI (Johnson Controls) to Deka / East Penn. I was told this is a new account for East Penn and the Duracell branded East Penn batts may not yet be in all stores. If the batteries still say Energizer on the label they are JCI batteries.

I took some pics at the store and then called Deka / East Penn tech support and spoke with a very nice lady, and very knowledgeable, named Carol G.. She informed me that they DO NOT build the Sam's Club, O'Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA or West Marine batteries any differently and they are all the SAME. They all roll off the same assembly line and get the sticker for the retailer they are going to.

The only thing you want to be certain of is the type. Deka makes dual purpose and deep cycle marine batteries. NAPA & WM sell both the dual purpose and deep cycle versions as does Sam's so be sure to read the labels.


Flooded Deep Cycle Marine Batts:

The batteries Sam's Club is buying are the Deka / East Penn deep cycle marine batteries and the dual purpose/starting versions. This is GOOD!!! What is even better is that these are the EXACT SAME battery that West Marine sells only for LESS THAN HALF THE PRICE! These batts have a 12 month free replacement warranty, same as West Marine.

As an example the Group 27 Deep Cycle at Sam's Club is $69.87 the SAME EXACT battery at West Marine is $169.99 (2010 catalog price).

There is absolutely NO DIFFERENCE in the WM battery compared to the Sam's Club, NAPA or other resellers battery other than the label/sticker. Sam's is using the Duracell brand name on these East Penn batts but they are the same high quality battery.

They offer two 6V GC2 batts one with a 215 Ah rating and one with a 230Ah rating and are $78.87 (GC2) and $84.87 (EGC2).

AGM Batteries:

Once again these are the SAME EXACT AGM batteries WM sells and they stock the group 24, 27 & 31 and 6V AGM's. As an example the group 31 AGM at Sam's Club is $166.32 and at West Marine this SAME BATTERY runs $299.99. The 6V AGM is even more drastic at Sam's it runs $159.73 and at West Marine it costs $389.99!


This new deal between Sam's Club and East Penn represents a tremendous value for us. Link to Post (http://seaproforum.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=gotopost&board=smallcenterconsoleboats&thread=1311&post=6452) - Back to Top (http://seaproforum.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=smallcentercon soleboats&action=display&thread=1311#) http://s2.images.proboards.com/ip.gif Logged

Read more: http://seaproforum.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=smallcentercon soleboats&action=display&thread=1311#ixzz1dtSI5Hpf

[EMAS]

I have listened to people slam W-M for years (topic come up on the tour coach now and agin) and I was in a local W-M one afternoon returning an item and a guy had two W-M batteries in a shopping cart, I asked him if they pro-rate them or tested 'em and he said "nope just tell me to go back and get two more) :) So the vendor takes it on the chin as the cost of selling at W-M. Not a huge fan of W-M either but the parking lot is always full.
After watching the the transaction beeing completed I thought might as well get a battery for the pick-up while I am here.

Actually it's most likely WallMart taking it on the chin. With these private label deals the retailer usually covers any customer satisfaction claim and the MFG will only pay valid claims. I bet if you could go in the back room that the warranty returns go in the same pile as the cores.

Like any of the Private label deals the product is built to the retailers specs, IE what they want to pay. So while Johnson Controls makes batteries sold under many brands they are not all the same. The Motorcraft, DieHard and Interstate in my experience are built to a better standard than most of the other labels. In general though I'd take any JC built battery over one built by Exide.

[bigdhasmoney]

I didnt want to start a new thread, but Im looking for a optima yellow top battery and need some suggestions on which one would be the best to buy.

[Da Dark Jedi]

Check these out.


http://www.odysseybattery.com/


Also look at this. They're much better than the "Battery Tender" models.


http://pulsetech.com/

[Ozz]

I just replaced my 9 year, 3 month old Motorcraft (original) with a 750 CCA version of the same thing. They are the same price at the dealership as the 650. $110.

I replaced the original Motorcraft battery in my '91 Mustang.... in 2004 or 2005. 'nuff said.

[Vortech347]

FoMoCo.

Only way to roll.

[1Marauder]

In a pinch last year right before Marauderville, I bought an interstate at Costco.
It was Sunday and Ford was closed.

Sales-pitch was, 4 year, no hassle replacement.

Ended up I took the Silver to MVXIII and haven't really driven the black at all since last September.

Since I found my car keys, I really needed to pull Vadar MM from storage and wash n wax it, and of course it wouldn't start /dead battery.

5 min battery removal, drove to Costco, and it took a total of 5 min to get a brand new replacement with ZERO hassle. I admit that it was a magical day, found perfect parking space, no return line, no replacement line, and was out the door.

I am sure the Motorcraft is a better battery... And if it started--there wouldn't have been an issue, but gotta also love the "Here's a new one buddy, sorry this one died on you" mentality. No receipt (they look it up on Costco card), so stress, no hassle.

I did spend another $187 on junk a I didn't need.

And I did wash n wax the black.

My older neighbor who lives across the street came over to tell me how much he loves the sound of the Black... And that he could hear my low throated rumble from 3 blocks away.

[sailsmen]

Just replaced a 9 year old Red Top Optima on a DD, not the MM, with a Duralast Gold
However, as of late my and others experience of Red Top Optimas has been less favorable. Not sure I will buy another one.

[justbob]

Just replaced a 9 year old Red Top Optima on a DD, not the MM, with a Duralast Gold

However, as of late my and others experience of Red Top Optimas has been less favorable. Not sure I will buy another one.



My experience is opposite of yours so far. I replaced a two year old gold that lost a cell with a red top. So Far so good.


Sent from my iThrone using Tapatalk

[Marauderjack]

This is almost as bad as a dreaded "OIL THREAD"!!:eek:

[Bruce Wayne]

Motorcraft FTMFW! or has that been said yet, ? I got 10years out of mine

[GreekGod]

Motorcraft FTMFW! or has that been said yet, ? I got 10years out of mine

==

I had a Die Hard Gold - 17 years, and it only died because I let it get low on water

==

[Shornaday]

Diehard used to be the only thing I would buy, but after having several batteries that I had to have replaced 2 or three times before the warranty was out. These were on my daily drivers so it wasn't because they were sitting around. I went to the Motorcraft BXT-65-850 for my ford stable. Since I have retired I have had some issues with the batteries draining, because 1 person can't drive 5 vehicles enough to keep them up. Got to get some battery tenders.

[Marauderman]

This is almost as bad as a dreaded "OIL THREAD"!!:eek:

I am with you^^^^^^^^^^^^-- to go back 5 years and tag onto a thread --

that's musta took some time.....heck...start a new thread....good re-reading though....but as you can read--they last as long as the thread.........yuk..yuk..

[Comin' in Hot]

I swear by the Duralast gold batteries, I have had one for 11 years in three different vehicles. I also have one in my trilogy marauder now for 5 years with no issues. Plus AutoZone's warranty is super easy.