Date:         Mon, 20 Aug 2007 08:24:37 -0700
Reply-To:     Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Leaking starting battery
Comments: To: Gilles Turmel <gilles.turmel@SYMPATICO.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <000601c7e2bc$a5a261c0$6600a8c0@gilles6a9a1e3b>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Hi,

This is not the right way to measure current. By putting the meter
between the battery + post and the disconnected - battery cable, there
is no path for current to flow: it will not flow from the + post,
through the loads (radio, lights, mystery load), then through the meter
and back to the + post.*

Instead, connect the meter between the negative post and the negative
connector. The meter becomes part of the usual, normal current path and
will read the current as it flows from the battery +, the your loads,
and returns into the battery -.**


* Conventional current.
** What I said.

--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
KG6RCR



Gilles Turmel typed:
> Hi,
> I'm trying to pinpoint the leak.   I need some advice to validate my
> procedure.  First I've disconnected the negative connector.  Then I'm
> trying to measure the leak by putting an ammeter between to positive
> post of the starting battery and the disconnected negative connector.
> My reading is 0 A.  Is it the right way?
> Best regards.
> Gilles Turmel
>