Gel Batteries kill alternators?

[Alatriste]

Hello Guys,

I visit my local Porsche dealer and the service manager saw my new Optima yellow battery in my 1987 911 and he told me that gel batteries while excellent perfumers are killing alternators since these last are working all the time. He recommended to go back to a traditional Bosch battery.
Is this true? I have to accept that electrics are not my strongest area...any expert in the forum that could give me a second opinion?
Thank you all in advance!

Ernesto

[Bunka]

I'm not an expert, however, I do have experience. Both AGM and GEL batteries should be charged at a lower rate than a regular lead acid battery. An older car such as a 1987 Porsche does not have the software to recognize the difference between a GEL/AGM and a lead acid battery so the alternator works overtime. It does not have the capability to adjust the charging rate per battery type and it overcharges the battery. I had this problem when I installed an AGM in my 2008 Porsche. There are an awful lot of owners who use GEL batteries in their older Porsches and never have a problem. I assume that this is because of the +/- tolerances of electrical systems.

[Alatriste]

Thank you for your input Bunka!

[unclebilly]

While racing at Brainerd 5 years ago in a 914 with Nissan V6 power, the optima battery in the car exploded. Acid sprayed everywhere.

I was at the end of the front straight and it took forever for the safety truck to get to me. I did get out of the car (it wasn’t a fire but spraying acid is nearly as bad).

[CrankyBurroMXer]

The Optima 6 volt I had in my 58 worked well for 11 years. No problems.
Maybe the old 200amp generator put out the correct reduced charging rate.
My 3.2 powered 911 with an Optima has had its share of alternator maladies.
I can't sleep at night now after reading these posts.
ah, all these 1st world challenges.