Installed Odyssey on my past 3 vehicles...Awesome product...

 

Their position was that amp-hour capacity wasn't guaranteed, and/or the testing was somehow flawed. Still have it sitting in the garage -- The intended use wasn't automotive, it worked fine other than low amp-hour capacity.

 

Amp/Hr of a NEW battery not guaranteed?... "not nice"... but it's also true is that this can be measured by different methods which yield different results.

 

There are tolerances to any measurement test, just like manufacturing. Not claiming this was a certified lab accuracy test, but if it had been an instrumentation or methodology error, similar batteries would also have tested low.

Looking back at the email exchange, the Optima tested 75% of rated based on the C/20 AH rating. The Odyssey's tested > 95%. Only a test would show this, either will start an engine under normal conditions. But a battery with more amp-hour capacity clearly has advantages. As a disclaimer -- This was a very small statistical sample of Optima batteries (two to be exact, and these were the same size), and it was almost 3 years ago.

 

A quick fix for corrosion is poor a coke on it. Eat that corrosion right up

 

Ill have to give that a try.

 

Search "battery terminals" on Scopes.com. This is just a urban legend..

Use a baking soda paste to clean your terminals and cables.

 

yep, baking soda works wonders. Also after you've cleaned the terminals, sprinkle some baking soda directly on top of each terminal to help minimize future corrosion.

 

Get you some stereo battery terminals with lots of hook ups.
Makes running wires so much easier.

And coke or baking soda will take corrosion off.

 

The Optima US production was closed in January 2009. The production in the US was gradually slowed down, as production in Mexico increased.
Could the battery you tested possibly be from the early production in Mexico, when they had quality problems?