Mix N Match Batteries?

[renovate7]

My new 925 came with 4 red top Optima's in it. One is dated id 2010 and load tests good . The other 3 are 2005 and not great. I'm trying to slow charge 2 of them to see if they have any life left...Is it OK to get another new battery, group 24 etc, and use it with the Optima? The Optima is 1000CA, should a batttery coupled with it have the same CA or is a bit less OK?

 

[porkysplace]

They should all be the same CCA

 

[cattlerepairman]

My personal experience (disclaimer: your mileage may vary, batteries are not included, consumer to remove this sticker) has been that in multi-battery starting applications the weaker batteries inevitably drag the other ones down. Yes, same CCA *should* work fine, but I never had any luck with just removing dead batteries from a set and replacing with new "identical" batteries. The new ones bite the dust sooner when older batteries are in the mix.

The note to self is, if I have to replace one bad battery in a multi-battery application, I replace them all for THIS application and find new homes for the still serviceable batteries - either in single battery applications or in applications where I can combine just the "surviving" batteries without having to add any new ones.

 

[197thhhc]

I would replace all the batteries. The optima is a different type of battery (spiral core) than your standard lead acid plate battery. Mixing them can potentially cause problems. I would either buy 3 more optimas or 4 24 series

 

[gungearz]

I got red tops also and I'm under the impression that they are ten year batteries. Maybe if you call optima, they will do something for you.

 

[renovate7]

These Optimas said 3 year unconditional warranty on them. Unfortunately they are 7 years old. I took the 3 of them and 2 6TM's to the scrap yard today and got $92...Red Top Optima's around here are $200 each, out of the question for this application. I have no problem only putting 2 batteries in this 925. So far 2 two Group 24's I've borrowed out of the Deuce start it almost instantly. I'm just wondering about mixing my good Optima with a new black box battery. I do see the value in matching cranking amps and don't think I can get 1000 out of a Group 24, may have to look bigger.

 

[porkysplace]

If you don't go with enough cranking amps will it start ? probably
Will not having enough cranking amps shorten the starter life ? yes

Going cheap on batteries will cost in the long run , well maybe not in floridia but it will in the north .