Date:         Sat, 13 Apr 2002 10:05:47 -0500
Reply-To:     Stan Wilder <wilden1@JUNO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stan Wilder <wilden1@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Big Alternators
Comments: To: vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

If you're having problems with an auxiliary battery you need to isolate
the problem before you start throwing more money or more current into the
system.
I've restored several Westy that have had auxiliary batteries and every
one of them had problems so severe as to require the removal of the
battery isolation equipment, additional solenoids and the auxiliary
battery.
Many have had burned out wiring, melted connector insulators on the fuse
panel and burned out alternators.
There are a few things to remember when installing an auxiliary battery:
#1. It should be the same as your other battery (don't mix different AMP
or Deep Cycle batteries into your system)
#2. Provide yourself with a quick cutoff switch just in case you smell
something burning.
#3. Use a quality battery isolation devise (from Motor Home dealer that
is fully fused).
I'm well aware that there are some very intelligent individuals that post
to this list, many are capable of building dependable coexisting
electrical systems and I've got to give you my BUT scenario.
I'd never recommend a additional battery unless it amounted to; two six
volt deep cycle batteries to achieve your 12v requirement. Even at this
the deep cycle batteries take longer to charge and tend to gas off with
heavy current draw. (8 years in the 36v golf cart business tells me this)
Best of luck in solving your problem.

Stan Wilder
--------------------
Hi all,
Hey, I know I have heard mention of 110 or 120 amp
Alternators on the list. Stock ones are 90 amp. Who
knows anything about the bigger ones & where do you
get them. Make & model would be helpful. I'm wanting
to upgrade for an auxilary battery set up that keeps
running into problems.

Thanks,

=====
David Kelly
1990 Syncro Vanagolf 15"
1963 Comet Convertible
1976 CB550 Super Sport
Seattle


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