Date:         Mon, 9 Apr 2007 09:10:28 -0700
Reply-To:     neil <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         neil <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: close call
Comments: To: "Richards, Andrew" <Andrew.Richards@nike.com>
In-Reply-To:  <200704091549.l39FntrT007094@barrierL241.nike.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Yikes.

Was Pos. terminal also contacting frame? (box)

IIRC, there is some THIN foam on batt lid on my van. Even with plastic
cap on, it seems a little dicey in my worrysome mind.

Now you've got me thinking....

Maybe foam could be a *little* thicker, or simply replace w/new
(neoprene?) foam. Plus foam or other insulator between pos terminal
and frame (box) ?

Isn't there a hold down strap for battery?

Neil.




On 4/9/07, Richards, Andrew <Andrew.Richards@nike.com> wrote:
> Hey All,
>
>
>
> A few weeks back I posted about an electrical problem that seemed to be
> in my ignition system.  My coolant light would flash and my stereo would
> turn off and back on when hitting a good bump in the road.  Yesterday, I
> checked my battery only to find some frightening stuff.  Turns out I'd
> neglected to place the plastic positive terminal cover back on the
> battery after jumping a friend's car a while back.  The clearance was so
> tight with the battery lid closed that on good bumps the lid would
> contact both battery terminals!  All the arcing that's occurred over the
> last few weeks burned two small holes through the cover plate.  I'm very
> lucky the carpeting didn't catch fire.  Very lucky.  Also lucky that I
> don't seem to have any permanent damage to my electrical system.
>
>
>
> Andrew
>
> '87 GL
>
> Portland, OR
>
>
>


--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia.

http://web.mac.com/tubaneil