gordo993

I just replaced my 9 month old Optima Red top. I didn't have a maintainer, just an old charger - when it would go down (2 to3 weeks) I'd just hook up the charger for a couple of hours then go. Until last week when it wouldn't start while I was out on the road. End result - new Optima.

Slow Guy

If you're going to use a low amp charger I would agree with leaving it connected is ok. However if you plan on using a charger greater than about 5 amps I would disconnect the battery from the car, I wouldn't want to take the chance of damaging the Alt. electronics or any other electronic parts. But that's just me.

We need to know what type of battery he has in the car, lead/acid or gel type, it makes a diff. for recharging a completely dead battery.

Stuart993

Looks like an el cheapo one, right?

Slow Guy

I'm no batt. expert but it looks like a basic lead acid battery to me, not a gel. They're referred to as "sealed" batts. but most of the ones I've seen you can remove the cover over the caps and check the fluid. If the batt. is over 2 - 3 yrs or has been over charged I would recommend checking, other than that I wouldn't bother.

You shouldn't need to do anything special to charge it but if it's totally discharged it will take a day or 2 w/ a trickle charger. Personally I have 2 chargers, a 6 YO Battery Tender (non Plus) and a Sears 2/10 Automatic charger. The BT gets 90% of the work, I only use the 2/10 for initial charges on new batts. and for batts. that are seriously discharged.

HTH

Red rooster

A battery kept fully charged by a maintainer will have a long life and always be ready to go.
Deep discharges shorten battery life a lot !
Guess it means that a maintainer is a pretty essential part of having a 911 !

Geoff

Stuart993

That's it then, a new battery and battery maintainer are required.
What are the best products?
I've seen on here:-
Battery = Optima Red Top
Maintainer= BatteryMINDer
Any suggestions?

shu

Thats what Ive been thinking about......new battery and maintainer! Thanks for the suggestions.

Stuart993

Bump!

Stuart993

Any suggestions?
What Optima model type would fit into the 993?

Slow Guy

If you're going to get an Optima you'll want a charger that is compatable w/ the gel type batteries, Battery Tender Plus, AccuMate makes one I think too. I really don't believe the Porsche maintainer is designed for gel's.

As I said before any maintainer will charge a gel but won't fully charge it. They also won't charge them if the battery is too weak.

Personally, I have an Interstate (lead acid) battery, direct replacement for the Porsche battery. Apx. $125.

Stuart993

Thanks again Bill.
Hopefully this will be my last question on the subject, would this code saver work?
Not bad for $8 + shipping
Code Saver

Pete Lech

Not true. I have used a Schumacher Battery Maintainer on the Optima Red top in the 993 for 5 years, works perfectly.

Optimas require a really heavy duty charger to recharge a flat battery as they draw a LOT of amps. When I left my Valentine One on shortly after getting the Optima, it drew it down to 6 Volts in 5 days. My 4 amp charger started to smoke when I connected it! I took the battery to Pep Boys, where I had recently bought it, and they had it up and running in about an hour and a half.

Slow Guy

I have no idea if this will work, I've never tried one. The first step would be to see if the cig. lighter still gets power w/ the key off (I think it does but not sure). Other than that I don't know, sorry.