Optima is not a gel cell but AGM s gel cell is the last thing to put in a car as the gel crackes and that is how the ion transfer takes place and tha capacity continues to loose capacity.

 

As I am the original poster of the picture above, I will clarify.

The battery, according to my receipt is an Optima 34/78DT 800 RT, next line on the receipt reads 8004-003. I have a more detailed copy of this picture than this web site will allow and it shows 8004-003 and 34/78 just below where the cables cross.

I cannot state if it is a manufactured discontinued product or just a shop decision to not stock it due to it being a slow seller.

The concerns about venting: Well, I’ve already made my decision on that issue. Like others I have a concern(minuscule), but I know it is there and can take other actions if my circumstances change. My only concern is for some unusual circumstance where the charging current is unusually high during a long trip with the windows closed. It is the effects of the gas upon the human body, not the explosive possibility I have concerns with, again it is a very minuscule concern.

As far as the physical constraints issue: The battery is not tied down, it is wedged in by the tire from moving forward. The battery has to be placed first and then the spare tire is placed and secured. This is one of the reasons I chose this battery size. I’m lying it was price, it just happen to work out well – if it hadn’t I would have found a way to secure the battery. The metal and plastic trim, as well as the floor above and 2-500 pounds of work gear holds it down in case of a bad accident, but what holds all that work gear from coming forward during an accident and killing me - nothing. The “Metal” trim some may consider bad as it could depending upon the force involved short out the terminals – again another risk I am appraise of and willing to take.

My first vehicle was a VW with the battery under the seat! I don’t recall any venting and it was an old fashion battery. Are we safer today? Yes, but more importantly the manufactures are safer from liability during a lawsuit. As stated in an earlier thread my factory vent broke off when I “looked” at the battery and I suspect many of you are driving around with no vents and don’t even know it. I’m tired of an overly protective society. End of soapbox.

QUESTION to "laborkei":
As to whether this battery is for you depends upon what you are trying to accomplish. Some got so caught up in the "venting" issue it was never asked. So what are you trying to accomplish?

Expect the issues of mixing different battery types and ages to be raised as well. My answer is when it comes time to replace either of my batteries I will replace both with the same type and age - neither will be vented. Circumstances and money did not allow at this time.

EDIT EDIT EDIT:
Since, I have looked at subsequent posts by "laborkei", I only see two issues - the terminal locations and the capacity of the batteries. If the 35 has ample cranking power and we can see the terminal locations are correct on the 35, so I would say go with it. My stock battery only has 600CCA. Your only concern should be does the Optima secure to the vehicle like the factory battery does?

 

AGM and gel are different technologies. There is no gel in an AGM battery!

See this link: http://www.dcbattery.com/agmtech.html

 

Hello Sno...
My use of your picture was at first to compare your HHR to my HHR, which I quickly found were exactly the same. The Optima sitting next to the standard battery told me there is plenty of room...

My intentions is to take out the stock battery and replace it with what I think will be the Optima 35 which has the Pos/Neg posts in the correct position. If you click on the link on my post to the Optima diagram, and then look at your picture, and the link in another window you can put them side by side and see what I am talking about. I have no intentions to run two, all I want is to replace stock with Optima before mine goes out.

I own two other GM vehicles, and both have Optima Redtops of different sizes. Never a problem.

Yes you are correct its funny how one post can quickly changes it original intentions. Some of the posts are really hung up on the gas issue, but I am not convinced it's an issue. Yea, I remember the battery under the seat of the VW. A buddy of mine had one all corroded, and you would have thought it would eventually fall through the floor board. We sure didn't think about gas back then, and that was the old wet cells. Thanks for the use of your picture, it helped me a lot on me making my decision.

One more comment... based on the specs on the Optima 35, it looks like it will mount with the same wedge/bolt configuration the stock battery uses to hold it in place. Yes, the terminals look to be reversed on the HHR from a normal GM battery, and that is why I am picked the Optima 35. The 35 has plenty CCA, and some to spare. Like I said... open the link and eye it up with your picture. That is what convinced me.

 

sorry if i confused anyone AGM is not a gel cell, gel cell batteries are used a lot for kids toys.

 

Can anyone offer any part numbers of alternate or even what price you have paid for the Delco replacement? Did you have to go through the dealer?

Interstate part number or Optima part number?
Thanks

 

The Platinum battery I think would be the best battery, the electrolite is in the fiber glass mat no micro separeter the Ion transfer is right now, the micro separeter is like running knee deep in water, the battery has a storage life of 2 years all other batteries would sulfate.

 

I had to read the entire thread, just so I could make this comment. PART NUMBERS????? for replacement. I think it is a group 90, which has just recently reached retailers, if this is correct then PepBoys does now stock as well as AdvanceAuto, Oreilly etc. I have seen the battery that I believe is correct for $84 to $160. Most online sources will not admit that the HHR has a battery, or windshield wipers, or brakes, or etc.

I can't believe 5 pages and no part numbers!
Don

 

Don,
Thanks -- I have had the same frustration. I guess I will go to Pep Boys and see if they have Group 90 and see if that really will work in our HHRs.

Usually you can do a Google search and find prices, part numbers and places to buy -- except the batteries for our HHRs......

 

Its recommended to use a 90-6yr battery with 600cca.

If you guys ever want to check out replacement parts try acdelcotechconnect.com and use the auto parts search in the middle of the page. You can pick your model or enter your vin and it will get you what you need.