I keep killing optima red top batteries

[572Camaro]

Cjfirstgen is giving good info.
Parasitic drain.
I had the same exact problem on my 68 Camaro and found two leaks from my fuel injection and transmission computers. Since both loads have to bypass my disconnect switch and go directly to the lead of the battery, I decided to change out my red top Optima and install an Odyssey battery.
Problem solved. Odyssey batteries rule!

[cjfirstgen]

That is the biggest issue with the modern ECU's and electronics we have put into classic cars. Most new cars have some small amount of parasitic drain but in theory they get driven regularly where our classic cars do not. A battery maintainer is pretty much a necessity. You can also utilize a battery disconnect which I recommend.

Not all maintainers or chargers are created equally. I use R2's for their digital readout but CTEK and others use the same pulse type charging technology aka (smart chargers). Learn about the difference here.

https://www.r2batterysaver.com/batte...earch-summary/

https://www.r2batterysaver.com/produ...attery-rescue/

[CarlC]

One of the challenges of having a not-driven-often car and using a complete system disconnect switch is that the long and short fuel trims get deleted once power to the ECM is disconnected. Not a big deal, but it may mean the car is a bit "cranky" until 1-2 cold start and run cycles are complete.

I use a disconnect switch to disconnect the main power buss but have a simple 5A circuit breaker bypass in order to protect the whole system when in storage. A battery maintainer is easy enough to do.

[Jr]

I usually have the battery connected to a battery tender. I was looking at the optima 400 and 1200 series.

I will look into the ctek maintainer.

[Jr]

Originally Posted by CarlC

One of the challenges of having a not-driven-often car and using a complete system disconnect switch is that the long and short fuel trims get deleted once power to the ECM is disconnected. Not a big deal, but it may mean the car is a bit "cranky" until 1-2 cold start and run cycles are complete.

I use a disconnect switch to disconnect the main power buss but have a simple 5A circuit breaker bypass in order to protect the whole system when in storage. A battery maintainer is easy enough to do.

Yes, I’m definitely going to hook a disconnect up.

[Musclerodz]

toss the red top, and change to yellow. Once a redtop discharges, its done. Doesn't solve your problem, but its the first thing I would do. I won't run redtops anymore

[Zspoiler]

I had this problem on my 1981 El Camino SS .The shop found a short under the drivers side power seat .I disconnected it and have had an issue since ,Maybe you have a similar problem .Good luck on your search.

[dhutton]

Originally Posted by Musclerodz

toss the red top, and change to yellow. Once a redtop discharges, its done. Doesn't solve your problem, but its the first thing I would do. I won't run redtops anymore

Even an Optima charger can’t bring it back?

I run Odyssey and I’m able to bring them back with an Odyssey charger.

Don

[Musclerodz]

Originally Posted by dhutton

Even an Optima charger can’t bring it back?

I run Odyssey and I’m able to bring them back with an Odyssey charger.

Don

Your "supposed" to be able to with their charger but I just don't bother. The only way I know how to bring a redtop back from the grave is to pull it up with another battery on the charger. That is what the optima rep(not Jimi) told me years ago long before optima had their own chargers. Since I switched to yellow tops, I just don't have the pesky issues I had with the red ones.