16V battery

[J-440]

Was told today that a 16 volt battery would be better than my 12 volt yellow top optima that I have in there now. I would also have to buy a 16v charger. I'm trying to get my car running but am having cranking issues and it's draining the battery. Of course the $60 charger is taking it's sweet time re-charging it. The motor is a 8.5 compression, electric water pump, fan, A1000 fuel pump, FAST XFI and 140 amp alternator. Or would a better charger with an engine start option be the better way to go?

[TheJDMan]

The optima is an AGM battery. To correctly charge an AGM battery you need a proper charger that can charge at 10-15amps. Who ever told you to use a 16v battery is a fool. Amperage not voltage is what is important. A 12v system is more than sufficient with only an 8.5 compression engine. If you actually need more amperage you could run a pair of 12v batteries in parallel but it is highly unlikely that would be necessary. You need to find and repair the root cause of your cranking issue. If the starter is drawing excessive amperage then you may have a problem with the starter. If you followed the recent 48 Hour Corvette build you may recall that they encountered a brand new starter that did not work when they first tried to start the engine.

[J-440]

Ok, gonna buy the proper charger then. Thanks!!

[JustJohn]

Agreed. Every automotive component I've ever worked with to develop is actually rated/tested to 14V. 16V is outside of the parameters for every single OE system on your car.

The optima is an AGM battery. To correctly charge an AGM battery you need a proper charger that can charge at 10-15amps. Who ever told you to use a 16v battery is a fool. Amperage not voltage is what is important. A 12v system is more than sufficient with only an 8.5 compression engine. If you actually need more amperage you could run a pair of 12v batteries in parallel but it is highly unlikely that would be necessary. You need to find and repair the root cause of your cranking issue. If the starter is drawing excessive amperage then you may have a problem with the starter. If you followed the recent 48 Hour Corvette build you may recall that they encountered a brand new starter that did not work when they first tried to start the engine.

[astroracer]

You do need the right charger for the AGM battery but, like Steve said, you need to figure out what the hard crank problem is. Some questions:
Where is the battery located?
What size are your battery cables?
Are all of your connections strong and tight?
After a cranking session are your cables hot?
Answer these and we will be able to get you pointed in the right direction.
Mark

[J-440]

Didn't have the right charger and the car was sitting for 2 weeks. Barely had time to charge the car bc the guy came over too early. No current draws and have the right gauge wire. For some reason this dude insisted that I get a 16v battery bc it's what he uses in his drag car. Newer cars and trucks have way more electronic doo-dads than my car and they run a 12v system. Don't know what this guy is smoking.