Date:         Thu, 28 Jun 2001 10:47:38 -0700
Reply-To:     pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Subject:      Battery Charging voltages.
Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Hi Volks,

You might consider what voltage your battery "likes" to see when charging.
Once again the BMW 246 motor has a miniscule 280W MAX alternator.  With
headlights and other stuff drawing current the regulator needed modification
to provide the 14.1 VDC measured at the battery for optimum charging.  Too
low and you lose charge Too high and you overheat and "boil" the battery
dry.  Either way, operating near the design limits, can leave you in the
dark when you press that starter button at zero dark thirty west of Austin
NV on the lonliest road.

Bumpstarting a 425lb moto in the gravel is out of the question.  The battery
manufacturers, Yuasa, Delco, Exide all provide specs to guide us to long
battery life and useful service.  I personally feel that 14.4 is a taste too
high for PbCa batteries and high for normal lead acid (gel or otherwise).

Research to follow.

pensioner