Date:         Fri, 24 Feb 2006 08:48:15 -0500
Reply-To:     Bob Mac <BOBMACDOWELL@WEBTV.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bob Mac <BOBMACDOWELL@WEBTV.NET>
Subject:      electrical problem
In-Reply-To:  Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>'s message
              of Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:02 -0500
Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII

  I just installed an optima battery in my westy. I didn't put it behind
the seat. Instead i put it in the little cab. next to the water tank. I
didn't want to take up al the space in the cab. so i removed the
partition where the receptacle is and made a raised platform (about 3/4
of an in.) so the wires go under the battery. You have to cut the
partition because the battery sticks into the little cab about 3 in.
This is min. space to lose. Anyway when i got the partition out i
noticed that off of the back of the rec. box is a large green wire about
a # 8 wire. This is the main ground that grounds the receptacle to the
vehicles. I t has a house panel lug that is bolted to the floor of the
van. This lug was deteriorated to the point that is was no longer
attached to the van. It looked like galvanic reaction ate it away. For
you guys that use that rec. for your heaters and what-not it might be
worth a look to see if your grounded or not. Just thought i'd throw this
out there