I have been trying to charge my red optima a couple of days now. When I started I got no reading on the charger ~0 Amps.

After a while it started to take charge and went to about 6-7 Amps. Then it got pretty hot and I stopped the charging. Now it is back at 2-3 Amps and it wont get any higher...

Is seems to be either broken or fully charged. But when I shortcut the + and - there is no or very little spark...

When charging an ordinary battery (80 amps) the reader goes to 25-30 amps when the battery is empty.

How old is the Red top ??

I've had that happen to me also with my car bat. and I've sent it back to the factory for charging I understand they have to be totaly drained and shorted to be able to be recharged mine never held charge good again after it was recharged

It is a few years, dont know exactly but atleast 4. It was used for one year then it was put away until last summer.

Check with Optima dealer for Tech sheet on charging--there is a very special procedure and it's a PAIN.

I'm done fooling with Optima's--they aren't worth the "special handling".

I've heard this before and don't get it.

I take mine out and put them in the basement every fall then put them back in the boat in the spring. They hold a full charge all winter I never have to do anything but move them from the boat to the house.
I do check these with my load meter so when I say they hold a charge it is not a guess they act like new batteries after 4 years!
My onboard charger is all they ever receive a charge from.

These are the blue tops.

4 years is a very long time for a battery, you're lucky to get a season out of a regular Interstate. I would replace them all if you have more than 1. I have had very good luck with my Optima's in my Excursion and in my boat and wouldn't buy any other brand.

I bought a red top in 02. In in spring 04 it wouldn't start, I thought I had a dirty terminal. I ended up taking it to the Interstate distributer,it was replaced no charge. They checked the# and said it was part of a bad batch. Doug

I've had my current red top optima for 7 years now. Prior to this one I had one for a year that had a cell go bad and thay replaced it for free. It would still start the motor though, just slower. I'd say that's a good sign that the battery can still discharge enough current at 10 volts to start the thing. I will never put anything other than an optima in my boat.

Shorting a battery is a good way to give the electrolyte the 'taste test'. You may want to make sure you have good disability and life insurance. Also, locate a good seeing-eye dog now if you don't wear safety goggles.

A battery produces hydrogen gas which, in the presence of sparks, can and will blow up.