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Old 03-21-2013, 07:38 PM   #1
Exnavydiver
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2 Delco batteries/ 7yrs, it was time

I was driving to get propane the other day and smelled that "hot battery" smell. I had only smelled it twice before and that was in the Navy right before one of our huge marine batteries on our 50 ft converted mike-6 boat decided to lunch itself. I had noticed earlier that morning that the voltage was down between 9 and 12 but it came right back up after starting. Today I got into the truck and turned the key and the engine heater light didnt come on, and when I turned the key I got one rotation of the engine. I took it over to Wally World and they tossed a load tester on the batteries and found one dead cell. Well after 7 years of heavy use I kind of figured I was on borrowed time. At least the new ones have removable cell caps, I never trusted those "maintenance free" batteries, and I got a 3 yr full replacement warranty with them. And since I got two at the same time if one craps out I get two new batteries... Glad it happened before we hit the road week after next...
 
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Old 03-22-2013, 12:55 AM   #2
NCFischers
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You got two extra years out of them. What brand did you get?
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Old 03-22-2013, 01:26 AM   #3
bethandkevin
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Top of the line 7 year Delco's carry a 42 month free replacement warranty.
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Old 03-22-2013, 01:27 AM   #4
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Dave, those Delco batteries are good ones! Mine were in the truck for 7 years and 11 months. I noticed earlier in the winter that on cold mornings the Duramax was turning a little slow. So, I immediately realized that there could be a battery issue and that at some point, they would let me down completely. But, I kept pushing my luck until one morning it almost did not start but, it did. I went straight to the local Sears and had a pair of high CCA batteries installed about a month ago. The old Duramax is real happy, now!
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Old 03-22-2013, 03:17 AM   #5
Ozz
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Glad you got new ones for the upcoming road trip.
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Old 03-22-2013, 03:58 AM   #6
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I got the Walmart MAXX brand. They are not Trojans or Interstate but I can get replacements almost anywhere. That was the main selling point. If the take a dump in the next 2 years eleven months and 29 days I get new batteries at no charge. Another 7 yrs would be nice but oh well...
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Old 03-22-2013, 04:38 AM   #7
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In any of my daily driver diesel pick-ups I have never got over 3 years on a set of batteries. Average 2 years on most over the past 20 years. Tried them all and still get the same results. The Texas heat just kills them. Love the multi-year prorated warranties.

Nothing worse than having battery issues while on the road. Glad you got it resolved before hand.
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Old 03-22-2013, 04:58 AM   #8
Exnavydiver
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The service guy at Wally World said he sees about 2 yrs average on the batteries here in Nevada. and yes, the heat does kill them fast. I asked him to take the neoprene wraps off the old batteries and put them on the new batteries. They help keep them from freezing in the north but they also help them stay a bit cooler in the heat..
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Old 11-08-2014, 12:39 PM   #9
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Hey guys:
Have a bit of problem with 2 interstate batteries in the RV ( GC2-XHD-UTL)We noticed lack of power when retracting slides.
Checked batteries and they appear to have some sulfation ( that white stuff ) on the plates.
Batteries were installed end of August 2012, so they are just over 2 years old.
How do I check these batteries and has anyone dealt with Interstate Batteries? Looks like new ones are about $ 150.00 each and
I need 2.
We are on our way to Mesa, AZ. Presently in Sisters, OR. Thank you for your help.
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Old 11-08-2014, 01:22 PM   #10
Tom S.
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quote:Originally posted by Golferdave

Hey guys:
Have a bit of problem with 2 interstate batteries in the RV ( GC2-XHD-UTL)We noticed lack of power when retracting slides.
Checked batteries and they appear to have some sulfation ( that white stuff ) on the plates.
Batteries were installed end of August 2012, so they are just over 2 years old.
How do I check these batteries and has anyone dealt with Interstate Batteries? Looks like new ones are about $ 150.00 each and
I need 2.
We are on our way to Mesa, AZ. Presently in Sisters, OR. Thank you for your help.
I think they are the deep draw type battery and only have a one year warranty. Any auto parts store can test them for you. Oxide is a normal part of the aging process, but it is important you keep the batteries full of water/electrolytic acid. I was raised to use nothing but distilled water but some argue it doesn't matter.
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Old 11-08-2014, 01:55 PM   #11
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Dave, you might argue that the maintenace free thing was a problem, but it sounds like you got more than your money's worth to me.
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Old 11-09-2014, 02:01 AM   #12
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Has been my experience you no way get the service life on the replacements even when you buy the top of the line that you do from the Original Delco
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Old 11-11-2014, 10:40 AM   #13
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What do original Delco batteries cost? My 2007 Chevy has original batteries in it and going fine so far. I live in Oregon, so heat isn't a problem and truck is always garaged unless in Arizona for winter. During summer only for about 2 weeks at a time for outdoors. I guess I am lucky so far.
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Old 11-16-2014, 02:55 AM   #14
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quote:Originally posted by bigred715

What do original Delco batteries cost? My 2007 Chevy has original batteries in it and going fine so far. I live in Oregon, so heat isn't a problem and truck is always garaged unless in Arizona for winter. During summer only for about 2 weeks at a time for outdoors. I guess I am lucky so far.
That's good news. I have a 2008 with original batteries. Since your batteries are one year older than mine I'm hoping I get at least one more year.
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Old 12-02-2014, 05:29 PM   #15
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My 2008 still has it's original batteries in it as well. Still going strong. I was wondering about their life. Went to the local independent battery shop and asked him about it. He said that GM is one of the manufacturers that puts a good quality battery in their rigs. He's seen them go for as long as 10 years before finally failing. So, at this point, I should get another year or two out of them!
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Old 12-03-2014, 04:30 AM   #16
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I just replaced a pair of originals in a 2006 Duramax and an original in a 2005 Uplander. Both vehicles still started, but if anything was left on for more than about ten minutes, it drew them below cranking ability. My 2008 still has one original.
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Old 12-03-2014, 09:29 AM   #17
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Just chaged my wifes 2003 Maxda 6 oem battery two days ago 11 years guess on that one I got my moneys worth had 9 years on my GMC Yukon and just over 8 years on my 2002 Dodge 3500 when they died and holding my breath on the battery in my New Holland TL100A tractor 7 years on that one and counting had 11 years on my Gehl skidsteer oem battery when I traded it this spring I dont know what I am doing to get the life out of them but not complaining
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