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Thread: Check those Delco batteries

  1. #1

    Default Check those Delco batteries

    I am a fan of Delco batteries, but often forget that some over-the-GM-parts-counter replacements may require periodic maintenance.

    The other day, I popped the caps and found them to be slightly low on water. Not suprisingly, the passenger/firewall battery was a little lower than the driver/headlight side, most likely due to extra heat soak it receives.

    Added ~1pt of distilled water across both batteries. They have been in service about 18 months.
    Last edited by Mark Rinker; 04-29-2010 at 10:52. Reason: Clarification; removed 'OEM' where incorrect
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  2. #2
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  3. #3

    Default

    Yes - the latest set of OEM Delcos (P/N 79001632) I purchased at my local GM parts counter in fall 2008 have removable caps. They are 6yr batteries with 675 cold cranking amp rating.

    OEM (sealed, maintenance free factory Delcos) battery life with constant towing/hauling, resulting in higher underhood temps - combined with winter snowplowing duty (lots of battery drain at low RPMs) averages about 36-48 months in my experience. I have purchased 3 new over-the-counter replacement sets with removeable caps for the 2001, 2002, 2006 Duramax trucks listed in my signature block below. All three trucks were used for year around towing, and plow truck duty.

    After a quick review of the warranty information here http://www.acdelco.com/html/bn_batte...y_warranty_txt , I should probably have the 7yr batteries, for free replacement out to 50 months, rather than 30 months, based on my replacement history. Here is the replacement pro-rate table: http://www.acdelco.com/parts/battery...y-warranty.jsp
    Last edited by Mark Rinker; 04-29-2010 at 11:29.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    CA
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    13,573

    Arrow

    All GM OEM batteries for light trucks and cars are NOT serviceable. Been that way for nearly 30 years now. They have caps, but are buried under a sticker and recessed in the case, and are not intended to be removed (they are lock-tabbed in place). What you get over the counter at the GM dealer may or may not be OEM. Delco offer several "types" of battery replacements. If you have a non-OEM battery with service caps, it is a very good idea to check them periodically, more often during summer months.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  5. #5

    Default

    Sorry for any confusion.

    These are Delcos, but I they are not 'OEM' - i.e. they are replacement Delco batteries, NOT 'OEM' or sealed/maintenance free like the first set from the manufacturer/GM factory.

    That was my point - that it is easy to FORGET to check Delcos that are not sealed, when we become accustomed to the first set of sealed, maintenance free batteries.

    I believe there is an advantage for some Duramax owners, especially those from HOT southern climates, or those that tow heavy frequently, to have removable cap batteries so water can be re-added throughout the life of the battery. I have seen OEM Delco sealed units weeping from the vent (most often on the passenger side battery) and there is no way to replace that lost electrolyte. Not suprisingly - that battery tends to fail first, of the pair.
    Last edited by Mark Rinker; 04-29-2010 at 11:23.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

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