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Date:         Sat, 21 Apr 2001 16:33:35 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <jhrodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <jhrodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Do I Need A New Battery?
Comments: To: PSavage <psavage@SABER.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Phaedra, some points to check before setting off to buy a new battery.

First, thoroughly clean down to bright new metal the terminal posts, and the terminal clamps. This insures a good mechanical electrical connection.

Second, inspect the wires where the copper is exposed to go through the terminal clamps. If there is corrosion present, you may need to replace the cable or at least cut it back to clean bare wire and reinstall the old clamp well cleaned or install a new one on the end of the wire.

Third, clean the battery exterior throughly with baking soda dissolved in water. This mix neutralizes any acid on the battery that occurs from acid fuming, and kills any path for electrical leakage which can pull down the voltage in the battery. You might go ahead and clean the battery box as well, also neutralizing any acid residue. Dry thoroughly after the job is done.

Fourth, check the electrolyte level in the battery cells. If low, add distilled water only, and use a squeeze bottle to deliver the water. That way you can better control the amount you put in to bring it up to level.

Fifth. Check your battery voltage. After all this cleanup and preparation, start the engine and let it run a while. It should come up to a full charge in a little while. Shut down the engine, disconnect the battery, and put a multimeter across the terminals. Fully charged it should read 12 volts or better.

Finally, if you still have slow start problems, take the battery to a garage where they have the equipment to load test each cell. If you have a weak cell in the battery it will show up by getting hot, and it won't put out the voltage.

Then you will know for sure.

Luck,

John Rodgers 88 GL Driver

PSavage wrote: > > When I bought my '85 eighteen months ago > it came with a used battery, which has given good service. > > Several times lately, usually after the van has sat for five > or six days without starting, the engine doesn't start *right* > up like it used to. There is a hesitation before it turns over. > Is this symtomatic of a worn out battery? > > (I had a new starter installed eighteen months ago, & six > months ago a new ignitions switch.) > > Advice much appreciated, as always! > Cheers, > Phaedra > '85 Wolfsburg Westy


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