Date:         Sat, 4 Apr 2009 10:32:30 -0700
Reply-To:     Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Replacing the battery in '84 Vanagon . . .
Comments: To: Thomas Kitts <thokitts@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <F088700B-A941-4F05-907E-2F3241D7FDF6@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

On Sat, Apr 4, 2009 at 10:16 AM, Thomas Kitts <thokitts@gmail.com> wrote:

> Have called LeSchwab to get prices to test the batteries, to check for a
> line draw, and cost to replace both batteries if needed. $220 to do it all
> with group 41 batteries (650 cold cranking + 84 month battery life and I
> assume LeSchwab anywhere replacement in the PNW.)
>
> WalMart has two group 41s I can buy off the shelf and install myself for
> $65 (650 cold cranking power + 24 month guarantee) but no check for unknown
> line draw or confirmation that the existing batteries are in fact dead.
>
> What would you do? I'm leaning towards LeSchwab . . .
>

Apples and oranges problem.  I have the equipment (a good charger and a good
multimeter) to probably check out the battery myself although I don't have
the equipment to do a load check.  I could also check for a parasitic load
with everything turned off to see if that was pulling the battery down over
time.  If you need someone else to do that then a good shop is needed.
Walmart will do the install for you at the time you buy the battery as I'm
sure Schwab will but apparently Schwab will also check the battery.  But
sounds like a lot of money at Schwab.

>
>