I've been averaging at least 8 years on a decent Gr41 battery in my Jetta and Westy
for the past 15 years. With stories like this, I think I'll stick with them...

On 15 Oct 2005 at 20:17, tom ring <taring@TARING.ORG> wrote:

> It sounds like I'm probably an exception, but I had a red top that got taken to
> zero only once by a very slow drain, and then lost a cell within 3 months of
> that.  I'm probably lucky that I didn't have an alternator failure.  I noticed
> it because the alternator belt squeeled occasionally.  I then checked the no
> load voltage, and found the problem.  Total life, 21 months.
>
> I will probably never buy another.  Not worth the extra price IMHO.  It was
> replaced with a nice standard type 41 wet cell low maintenance from NAPA for
> about half the price.
>
> Tom
>
> On 15 Oct 2005 at 7:33, Mark Magee wrote:
>
> > Steven,
> > I had never heard of the Sonnenschein dryfit, I went and read up on them.
> > >From what I read they are the same technology as Optima's: Absorbed Glass
> > Mat, so I assume they will perform excellently.
> > I have a Red Top (starting only) in my 90 Carat laid forward on it's side and
> > it has been deep cycled to zero numerous times by children leaving dome lights
> > on in the van. After a recharge you can't notice any noticeable loss of CCA's
> > when starting. That is a big change vs. wet cell starting batts which are
> > noticeably damaged upon accidental deep cycle. I am sold on AGM technology and
> > my Optima's have never failed so far, I just don't have any experience with
> > other companies AGM batteries. If the Sonnenschein dryfit fits without
> > alteration that is an advantage, for I did have to do some slight alteration
> > to get the Optima to fit: laid on it's side, terminal to chassis insulation
> > ect. Mark
> >
>
>
> -----------------------------------------
> Tom Ring K0TAR, ex-WA2PHW  EN34hx
> 85 Westphalia GL Albert
> 96 Jetta GL The Intimidator
> taring@taring.org
>
> What happens if a big asteroid hits the Earth?  Judging from realistic
> simulations
> involving a sledge hammer and a common laboratory frog, we can assume it will be
> pretty bad.
>                 - Dave Barry
> -----------------------------------------
>

Shawn Wright
http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright
'85 Jetta D
'88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
 (see progress at http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels)
'82 Diesel Westy