Date:         Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:16:21 -0400
Reply-To:     mordo <helmut.blong@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mordo <helmut.blong@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Battery and alternator - generic auto electric
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I have a generic query about automotive electrical systems. I recently had
the experience of driving with a battery that had a very low charge. Twice I
had the engine die when coasting up to a turn. After rolling to a stop
safely out of traffic, the starter would not turn but a jump start would
immediately kick the engine over.

So, the question is, can a battery have so little charge that it can draw
enough current away from the alternator to cause the engine to die? Or have
I jumped to the wrong conclusion? Another thing I find puzzling is that my
battery seems to be able to hold enough of a charge that it will crank
strong to start the engine once but if I shut it down and try to restart, it
won't turn it over again. I suppose a test of the alternator output is in
order.

Both conditions were cured when I did a slow charge on the battery. But, as
this is not my daily driver, it often doesn't get driven enough to maintain
a healthy battery. I also can't park it any where near an outlet to keep a
float charger on it. So, if I want to maintain the battery's charge, I have
to take it out of the van.

cheers,

--
mordo
1990 Carat