Date:         Sat, 8 Jan 2005 14:26:16 -0700
Reply-To:     jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Subject:      Re: charging system problem?  battery sitting for a while.
In-Reply-To:  <20050108211342.1D93B191BC2@relay03.roc.ny.frontiernet.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"

On 1/8/05 2:13 PM, "tolga" <tolga@MAC.COM> wrote:

> Hi there,
> Just finished up installing SA grill, H4 lights and headlight relays in
> my 84 1.9 watercooled.  The Van had been sitting in my garage for several
> months and the battery was down to about 10.5V.  I left it overnight on
> my battery charger at a 2A trickle charge.  Today it's up to 11.6V.  The
> Van starts right up but I noticed the battery and alternator are still at
> 11.6V when running?  I think it should be in the 12.5 range when running,
> right?  Any suggestions?  Is there a way to test the alt or regulator?
> I also noted with the headlights on, the voltage at the connectors is
> around 11.4V for both hi and low beams on both sides.  I did not measure
> it before doing the project but the H4's are much brighter.
> 
> Thanks for any suggestions!
>  Tolga
> 
> 
Alternator is suspect, but first check connections to battery making sure
that the terminals and connectors are shiny clean and then check the
connection at the starter stud for a good clean solid connection. Best to
have battery disconnected to check that one.

Put the battery on the charger for a longer period and see if it will charge
back up.  Wet cell batteries need to be kept charged up periodically or they
die an early death.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
jimt
Planned insanity is best.
Remember that sanity is optional.
http://www.tactical-bus.info (tech info)
http://www.westydriver.com