Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 12:59:09 -0700
Reply-To: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Battery almost disaster
In-Reply-To: <5676AA8F-A2DA-4F41-BDE6-3169D3BD510B@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I'm going from memory here, but a smaller wire from the battery positive
post connects to the fuse panel. In part, it provides + power to the fuses
etc. If it's an added non OEM wire, it is obviously unfused or the fuse
amperage is way too high. If you disconnect this wire from the battery, and
the stock accessories stop working, it is most likely the OEM wire to the
fuse panel.
If the wire is not corroded or otherwise damaged, and the connector is ok,
you may be able to slip a piece of shrink wrap over it. I'd suggest
using marine grade shrink wrap. I've used that stuff with the self sealing
goop on the inside. It couldn't hurt to wrap a layer of good quality
electrical tape over the shrink wrap.
Neil.
On Saturday, August 23, 2014, Eric Caron <ecaron1@comcast.net> wrote
> I found that the hot main wire was fine. Attached to the terminal is also
> a thick hot wire. Not sure but perhaps this is a direct wire to the
> starter? This wire was worn right down to metal. Someone had put some
> silicone calk on the side of the battery compartment but clearly the wire
> had rubbed right down.
>
> So, What is this wire?
>
> Would it cause just the cold cranks to go bad?
> Could my battery still be good?
>
> If shorted against the metal of the battery compartment why didn't it blow
> up or cause a fire!
>
> Years ago I kneeled down on the backseat of a old VW beetle, and blew up
> the battery smoke flames and all! Interestingly the blown up battery
> started the car and we drove it to sears for a new battery!
>
> I'm glad that didn't happen this time!
>
> I'd love to know what the wire is and if it touching the compartment could
> have caused the starting problem and the bad battery reading. Also is it
> possible the battery is still good?
>
> Should I heat shrink over the broken insulation or actually cut the wire
> put on a clean connector and heat shrink over the whole thing?
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL Auto Westfalia
>
>
>
--
Neil n
Blog: tubaneil.blogspot.ca
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