Date: Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:22:54 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Battery/Starter/Wiring issue 1985 Westy w/ 2.1L & 4sp
In-Reply-To: <736EA0404E8E4D68AD2B2285E27DA19F@KarlPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
AC on a Vanagon affects fuel economy much worse than on most modern
vehicles. For beginners the electrical load is huge, especially with the
dual evaporator fans on high and in hot weather it is common for the
radiator to be on high speed most of the time. The largest load though is
from the compressor and the non-compensating expansion valve. If the system
is overcharged the load gets even worse. Most cars now have the engines
cruising somewhere around 2,000 rpm and our AC systems work fine there.
However at 4,000 rpm there is a lot of extra energy being pumped into the
system that does nothing? Typical mileage losses are 2 mpg or more. The drop
really becomes pronounced in traffic or mountain driving.
Due to the electrical load it is common for the battery voltage to drop and
this can effect starting. Some wiring upgrades will help. One helpful tip is
that once the van initially cools off turn the fan speed down a notch. That
will also help the compressor load as the lower resulting evaporator
temperature will reduce the compressor loading.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Karl Wolz
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2011 12:18 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Battery/Starter/Wiring issue 1985 Westy w/ 2.1L & 4sp
Went for a shakedown cruise today, wandering up from Phoenix to the top of
Mingus Mtn. (above 7000 ft.), where we did some scrubbing and checking of
this and that in nice cool air. Got back to Phx around 4pm, with the
temperature around 112 degrees. Filled up at Costco to check trip mileage
(17.8, which kinda sucks), turned the key and had super slow starter motor
for a couple seconds, then normal and fired right up.
Several questions:
This trip is the first time I've used the AC in about 15 years, and the
frist time I've used with the 2.1L engine; how much should I expect the A/C
cut into fuel economy? I drove about normal speed (65 - 75) for most of the
trip; this usually yields just shy of 20 mpg.
Starter issue - I've replaced the battery to starter wire and the the
alternator to starter wire with 2ga. The starter was recently rebuilt, the
engine normally turns easily. I have NOT replaced the starter ground
connection, and have not inspected that wire. This slow starter (Uerh -
uerh) was the reason I replaced the wiring, and since then, it has turned
quite quickly and starter right up every time. I'd imagine the heat had
some effect, and I certainly should take a close look at that battery ground
wire. Any other thoughts?
Thanks in advance,
Karl Wolz
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