Hi Dennis, I have noticed that some vanagons have undesirable odor from the batteries especially on long runs. I had never connected it with too high of an output from the alternator. Thanks for the enlightenment. Midwesty On 1/1/2017 10:02 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote: > From the factory 13.8 volts was the setting. 2.3 volts/cell keeps the battery just below the gassing limit and is desirable for extended travel operation as it avoids boiling out the electrolyte and grid corrosion. Most trucks/busses operate here. Yes there are vehicles that operate close to 14.2 volt. My point is that 13.8 was the VW design choice. > > 13.6 volt is slightly low but that could be due the a bad battery drawing excess current combined with older/undersized wiring having an excessive voltage drop. Proper diagnoses includes measuring current and taking voltage measurements to locate the drop. > > The alternator warning light does more than indicate that the alternator is working. That circuit provides the excitation current needed to get it started. You need some current in the rotor to get a magnetic field so the stator can create some current. A low battery after startup can cause this delay. So to can modifications of this circuit such as the wrong relay for the fridge/aux battery circuit. The light/diode in this circuit is critical as they also prevent the back feed form the alternator from keeping the ignition system energized when the ignition gets switched off. I would begin by testing this circuit for proper voltage at the alternator with key on, engine not running. > > Dennis > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Stuart MacMillan > Sent: Sunday, January 1, 2017 9:27 PM > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM > Subject: Re: Delay on charge/o2sensor indicators after starting..? > > I'd like to see closer to 14v at the battery at idle with no load (lights, heater fans, etc.) from a good alternator. Check voltage at alternator and battery to be sure the cable and connections are good, but I think your alternator is undercharging. Get an OEM Bosch rebuilt alternator from a major chain parts store so you can take it back if it's bad. I got one that was charging at 75% out of the box, which is where I think yours is right now and took it back. I don't like ordering alternators and starters on-line for this reason. > > Another test you can do is turn the headlights on and rev to 2000 rpm, you should still have close to 14 v at battery. 14.2 is about as good as you can expect. > > I've also added this to eliminate that revving annoyance with the light: http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=24031 The older I get the less tolerant of annoyances I am. > > Stuart. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Don Hanson > Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2017 2:10 PM > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM > Subject: Delay on charge/o2sensor indicators after starting..? > > 84 Digifant (inline) with previously correct behavior .. > I know it's normal for these two lights to remain illuminated until I rev the engine and activate the alternator... The present alternator is perhaps 3yrs old...maybe 60 k miles. I've replaced it one time, and I may have installed new brushes in this one at some time past... can't recall if it was this one or the last one. I also recently re-tensioned the one belt...no power accessories..and I have a new belt expected any day, not bad, the current belt, but I think it is time...Anyway, everything is fine in the belts, the waterpump and the alternator bearings, I checked when I tightened the belt...But this afternoon after a day of no driving, I fired it up...normal cranking, no squeal, but the two indicator lights remained on as I drove off... I saw right away and blipped the throttle and the charging system kicked right in...But that is NOT something I like to ignore, since I may soon be heading back north through winter Nevada and Oregon... > So...What should I check? I have some new brushes with me, but I'd rather not remove the alternator here...In the desert sand....I will be putting on the new belt when it arrives... I'm reading the usual charge > voltage, same as ever, at the coach battery 13.6v at idle... Anything > else I should check that might cause a "sticky" charging system? A relay, or something? I've got lots of those under my seat..😃. > Otherwise, once I fixed the missing expansion tank rubber grommets, to keep the fuel dry, the van has been like a champ thanks DH |
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