Electrical Short.

[WVZR-1]

Originally Posted by scottfab

The only date codes I've ever seen are cryptic. Or they have scratch off pads.
Interviewing the department manager at Wallmart he said they just rotate unsold ones out. The are "reconditioned" and put back on the shelf. And I think they've since gotten out of selling batteries all to gether. The O'Riley's guy I spoke to said they do the same thing. Then a green sticker with a number indicating the month it was last "cycled".
And a local Bi-Mart (coop) does not put acid in them and they sit in the back until inventory is needed. A battery with no acid and sealed will not have a problem. They do not have date codes. They do punch out the year and month on a strip on the top of the battery. Problem at BiMart is the once with acid sit for long periods.

BTW all even the sealed batteries like Optima will develop problems if they sit too long.

I don't know that I'd consider most of the date codes "cryptic" but I would expect to be able to "confirm" the date code from a sales person before a purchase. I also maybe in "error" assumed we might be discussing "first line" batteries with a "nationwide" warranty! I've never had a problem identifying an ACD, Interstate, Exide, or the Sears line. Were I local to a Bi-Mart I might likely consider a purchase there, but for comparisons and date codes I believe we need to confine the conversation to "sealed batteries"!

Your Oreily guy and Walmart guy know that batteries are sold from the "front" and arriving stock is inserted to the "rear" of the rack. Maybe the question wasn't presented "properly". Did you ask for the explanation of a date code or for the code to be pointed out to you? I'm guessing not!

Regarding a comment in a following post regarding the Walmart "cheapo" battery! Walmart has I believe 3 lines of batteries as do all the other "major" resellers. You've the opportunity to purchase "your choice". If your wallet is speaking you might just grab the $55 choice. There's a product just to the right of it that might be $85 that has a warranty equal to or better than most! Carry it back, explain you've a problem, present invoice leave with a new one after a warranty "adjustment"!

Back to the diagnostics guys!!!!

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by WVZR-1

Your Oreily guy and Walmart guy know that batteries are sold from the "front" and arriving stock is inserted to the "rear" of the rack. Maybe the question wasn't presented "properly". Did you ask for the explanation of a date code or for the code to be pointed out to you? I'm guessing not!

Your guess would be wrong!
The store had just opened for business that weekend. The manager took me back and showed me how they (all o'rileys) did there batteries. Since I was aware of the sulfation issue and age I asked about how they tell the age of a battery. He said there are NO marks other than the green sticker with a month. hmmm so what year says I.
No answer and he shrugged his shoulder. I remember it well because it was our first meeting and I've dealt with him a lot since.

Originally Posted by WVZR-1

Regarding a comment in a following post regarding the Walmart "cheapo" battery! Walmart has I believe 3 lines of batteries as do all the other "major" resellers. You've the opportunity to purchase "your choice". If your wallet is speaking you might just grab the $55 choice. There's a product just to the right of it that might be $85 that has a warranty equal to or better than most! Carry it back, explain you've a problem, present invoice leave with a new one after a warranty "adjustment"!

As I said. Walmart here doesn't carry batteries anymore.
Anyone know for sure if their local Walmart still does?

Originally Posted by WVZR-1

Back to the diagnostics guys!!!!

Exactly. We're off in the weeds. My initial point was to get the newest one you can find. Don't necessarily trust the date codes on them even if the have one. I just called Sears and the guy explained the date code "sticker" on the side just means when it was last serviced. I rest my case.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Robert, good luck on the battery.....simply exhausting.......

[A26B]

Originally Posted by scottfab

.....As I said. Walmart here doesn't carry batteries anymore. Anyone know for sure if their local Walmart still does?.......

Yes, as of about 10 days ago anyway. I haven't had the occassion to look again since then.

[VetteMed]

Plenty of batteries on the shelf at my local Wally World.

[WB9MCW]

I found this to be interesting.

Benefits of OPTIMA Batteries

After being fed up by the many faults in old-school batteries, OPTIMA decided to start from scratch to design a better car battery for your vehicle. After several breakthroughs in design and performance, OPTIMA completely redefined the capabilities of the car battery.

OPTIMA stands apart from the competition thanks to their Spiralcell Technology. While old-school batteries are filled with flat sheets of lead, the OPTIMA car battery is filled with tightly coiled rolls. Not only does this ingenious design protect the lead from vibration, but it also keeps the batteries 100% maintenance free. That’s right—you never have to top an OPTIMA battery off with distilled water. Plus, off-road enthusiasts can explore the unknown without worrying about a leaky battery—the OPTIMA battery can flip a full 180° without leaking.

Lasting about twice as long as the competition, OPTIMA batteries have the juice to power your monster audio system or jump start a racer at the track. And, they can handle the most demanding situations.


About Interstate Batteries

Interstate Batteries has earned a solid reputation for top-quality products, consistently reliable service and business innovations. What started as a small company has now grown to be one of the most respected names in the car battery business. For more than 60 years, Interstate has been designing high-quality replacement car batteries. The company is based on high principles to offer the best-quality products, provide impeccable service and always treat the customer with respect. When you choose an Interstate battery, you can be certain you’re choosing a battery that was made with quality and design in mind.

[cvette98pacecar]

Do none of you know me, It will be a New not re-manufactured GM exact replacement.
At this point it is just money. Pretty soon both cars will be completly NOS parts. I have pretty much every receipt for everything that was ever done to either vehicle, It appears that the battery lasted for 19 years. Amazing what a battery tender will do.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Originally Posted by cvette98pacecar

Do none of you know me, It will be a New not re-manufactured GM exact replacement.
At this point it is just money. Pretty soon both cars will be complete NOS parts. I have pretty much every receipt for everything that was ever done to either vehicle, It appears that the battery lasted for 19 years. Amazing what a battery tender will do.

hahahahaha

You still might consider an Optima, Robert. I have one of the yellow ones, relocated behind the passenger seat, in the Turq car. Tough battery.

[cvette98pacecar]

Originally Posted by Blue Flame Restorations

hahahahaha

You still might consider an Optima, Robert. I have one of the yellow ones in the Turq car. Tough battery.

I am going to get the ruby registered next year as a semi-survivor. That is if I can keep it running.

Updated my Signature what do you think.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Originally Posted by cvette98pacecar

I am going to get the ruby registered next year as a semi-survivor. That is if I can keep it running.

Updated my Signature what do you think.

Hahahaha

I feel your pain. I've been fighting the dreaded "throttle plate sticking" issue for about two weeks. Finally have it band-aided for now with lithium grease. I'll R&R over the Winter unless it annoys me before then.