Date:         Sun, 12 Sep 2004 13:42:26 -0700
Reply-To:     Ari Ollikainen <Ari@OLTECO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ari Ollikainen <Ari@OLTECO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Carat fluorescent fixture causes battery drain...
Comments: To: rrecardo@webtv.net
In-Reply-To:  <29793-4144ADD9-405@storefull-3175.bay.webtv.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 3:13 PM -0500 9/12/04, ' ' wrote:
>The fixture you mention is fused at the courtesy light lamp fuse holder.



>You mentioned replacing the alternator and battery, with what?

        Known, working alternator from a working Camper. The 1st (7yr old)
        battery was replaced with an NEW Exide "Autolite" brand Group 41
        battery with AUG04 as the manufacture date. AND I bought a second
        as well manufactured SEP04, as well.

>Another used used battery and alt?

        See above...

>No mention of load testing the battery, or electrolyte levels.

        NEW battery...assumed to be fully charged. Do YOU load test
        NEW batteries?

>Did you test the "New" alternator with a load on it ? ( meaning every
>electrical item on in the Van?)

        Yes.

>Maybe if the fluorescent lamp had a direct short to ground it would
>drain the battery that fast.

        The battery wasn't drained of all charge...it was just reduced
        to a threshold where the starter wouldn't turn over.

        ~ 1 amp/hr is too slow?

>I really doubt it as you described the situation.

        You doubt my observations or my analysis. Please feel free
        to elaborate...

>Buy a new alternator, and battery.
>Used isn't always the best.

        I HAVE a "new" rebuilt one...that's the "known, working one".
        And, as I've already said, TWO fresh, NEW batteries.

>
>RC

        Perhaps I should just find a NEW Vanagon...eh?


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