Date:         Thu, 3 May 2007 10:06:59 -0700
Reply-To:     PB <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         PB <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Scarlett's New Battery Update ;-)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

So far the new battery has worked beautifully, but installing it was a bear
for me.  No matter how I positioned the terminal adapter on the new battery,
it would always stick out.  Another possible option was to change the
terminal on the cable, but I wasn't up for that, yet.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i263/edtech2000/Westy/0501071817a.jpg

Here's how I left it:
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i263/edtech2000/Westy/0501071844.jpg
I bought a rubber bathtub mat at the 99-Cent store, cut it, and used it to
cover the spot that stuck out beyond the orange cover.  There was a hole in
the upper left corner.  I figured it was for ventilation, so I made sure not
to block it.  While I was working on the battery I used the mat as a safety
shield.

When I finished, I didn't remember where to put this part:
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i263/edtech2000/Westy/MysteryBatteryPart.jpg
I could see how the holes lined up with the holes on the lower side of the
battery cavity, but couldn't figure out what to do with the little clip near
the hole on the upper right side of the picture.  I'm SURE it wasn't screwed
into those holes because I would have definitely remembered taking out all
the screws.

As an incidental, whenever I start the van, I hear a high-pitched, low
volume sound for about 30 -60 seconds.  The van runs beautifully, and I
don't notice any problems at all.  The sound will go away by itself within
30-60 seconds, or if I press the accelerator.  Is this sort of thing normal
with Westies, or should I be getting something checked?

I just discovered that I need to replace a front turn signal bulb.  I hope
this won't take me 5 days like the battery did! (LOL)  Thanks to all for
being so patient with me.  I used to do all minor maintenance on my vehicles
about 20 yrs ago.  I've done full tuneups, replaced alternators, installed
stereos, etc, but nada since then.  I'm sure I'll "come around" soon!

Patti
1990 Westy
Automatic everything!