Dead Sears Platinum 31M

[Parker Elements]

Hey everyone -

After researching battery options, I decided to go out and get a Sears Platinum 31M. When I brought it home, I shaved the side on edges to make it fit (well documented on this site and very helpful advice!).

Went to fire it up - battery was dead. Threw it on a marine-specific trickle charger overnight and it was fine the next morning.

One week later - barely cranked over. Charged it up again...and it's same pattern. I get about a week out of it before it dies.

I went and had the alternator checked (just to rule it out) and it was charging fine. So obviously, the battery is toast.

When I called Sears and explained it, I figured I'd be honest and up front about the shaving of the outer case. It's super small, but they still told me I voided my warranty. They're going to look at it this week to decide if they'll work with me. They also told me it was never designed to work in a truck application so it won't "work".

So my questions are - #1 for any of you running a marine battery, did you swap out your alternator for any reason. And #2 have any of you experienced similar issues?

Thanks!

 

[skibob]

I stopped doing business with sears a LONG TIME AGO due to their predatory and dishonest warranty program.
I did find that they do not warranty deep cycle batteries the same as automotive batteries.
I did put a deep cycle in my boat, it crapped out in short order, took it back they would not replace it.
I then put in an automotive battery and it lasted a while, died, I was able, after some pain, to get a replacement. They do not like to replace batteries for any reason. Voiding a warranty because you shaved off some plastic is just stupid. Tell everybody you know, take out an ad, post online at every site you can get to.
Saying it won't work in a car is similarly stupid. It's a 12 volt battery. The chemistry is identical to any other 12 volt lead acid battery out there. The only difference is the construction of it's insides to make it handle complete charge/discharge cycles without degrading the internal structure.

 

[fjc8871]

I am running DieHard Marine Battery, Platinum PM-1 - Group Size 31M w/ OEM alternator. No issues. Does the battery test ok?

 

[Parker Elements]

I'm taking it back to the Sears I bought it from to have them test it. I have a feeling that they'll see it's bad and try and tell me they can't swap it out because of my case mods. I'll keep you all posted...

 

[tirewater]

Are you driving long enough to charge the battery? If all you're doing is driving a few blocks, the battery may not have enough time to fully charge. I do not know if the AGM batteries take longer to fully charge than conventional starting batteries.

 

[Parker Elements]

Good point tirewater - it's not my DD. It usually sits during the week and then I use it a lot on weekends. I'm just surprised that it will drain down to about 25 percent from a full charge in a little over a week.

 

[Otamiway]

Parker, I assume you didnt shave a lot off the sides. I would pick a different sears and have them test it and warranty it. Be nice, talk to them... you will be surprised how have you get.... I had the alternator go and kill my diehard gold in the ES300. One sears didnt replace, the other did.

 

[SoCal_80]

I have had the same battery for well over a year now and no issues...

 

[Parker Elements]

Thanks Otamiway - when I called them I was definitely up front about what I did to it to make it fit. They said they'd get a manager to look at it - but it was up to their discretion. I'll definitely roll in without any aggro intentions to see what happens first.

And SoCal_80 - I'm thinking of going with the same battery again, but want to make sure I get it tested first before they throw it in.