Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2021 11:53:32 -0700
Reply-To: Rob <vwrobb@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Rob <vwrobb@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Bad battery cable? 90 tintop -FiXED-
In-Reply-To: <CAE_+Nq1VJ489fsATTjL2FGC-10ZQjCAJLH_9tfBkWUirF1AL=w@mail.g
mail.com>
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I got it fixed, under the insulation at the battery (the 6 inches
back from the battery clamp) there was green corrosion on the
stranded wire cable. I used a metal toothbrush to brush it all off,
it wasn't hard, then I started getting alternator voltage at the battery again.
I also added a #4 ground wire from the alternator case to the frame
and polished where the wires connector at the starter.
It's not as easy doing this stuff as it was 40 years ago :-)
Rob
vwrobb@gmail.com
A 1990 Vanagon powered by a 1991 Subaru 2.2
At 10/14/2021 05:56 PM,Rob wrote:
>I will add the ground to the alternator tomorrow.
>Taking the battery in for a load test is the next thing I'll do and I
>can polish where the ground connects when I do that. I'm going to
>charge the battery tonight for a load test tomorrow.
>
>The wire from the alternator to the starter is the stock Subaru wire,
>I do get alternator voltage at the starter (I checked it on the
>battery to starter cable end).
>
>There are no other batteries on the VW.
>Are there resistance parameters for the batt-starter cable? I'll go
>see if I can find any in the Bentley .
>
>Rob
>vwrobb@gmail.com
>
>On Thu, Oct 14, 2021 at 2:20 PM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > So also check the ground for the battery itself and also the
> batteries condition and charging current. Also, what do you have
> for wiring from the alternator to the battery cable at the starter?
> The original wire has a significant drop and gets quite hot trying
> to carry the full alternator current. Especially if you have an
> additional battery with the charge circuit connected up front. A
> battery with a shorted cell will load the system down.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Rob <vwrobb@gmail.com>
> > Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2021 5:01 PM
> > To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> > Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Bad battery cable? 90 tintop
> >
> > Alright... Alternator case to body gives me 0.1 v
> >
> > The ground from the trans to the body is in great shape, I did
> disconnect the ends, wire brushed them and reattached them. I
> suspect it was replaced when the trans was rebuilt before I bought it.
> >
> > One of my LONG time VW beliefs (about all VWs) is you can't have
> too many grounds. If it's electrical and it has a problem, add a
> ground is one of those lessons I forgot.
> >
> > I'm going to get a ground wire for the alt case to the body (is
> the frame better?) just because you (Dennis) suggested it and I
> another ground will not hurt.
> >
> >
> > Rob
> > vwrobb@gmail.com
> >
> > On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 5:08 PM Dennis Haynes
> <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > >
> > > Measure from the alternator case to the chassis. If you can
> measure voltage there you have a drop on the ground cable. It does
> happen where the factory transmission ground cable looks good but
> has a high enough resistance to cause a significant drop when
> substantial current flow is needed. Add a number 4 ground from
> close to the alternator to the chassis.
> > >
> > > Dennis
> > >
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of
> > > Rob
> > > Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2021 7:36 PM
> > > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > > Subject: Bad battery cable? 90 tintop
> > >
> > > Hello Vanagon land!
> > >
> > > I'm looking for a reason NOT to change the battery cable.
> > >
> > > 1990 Vanagon with a 91 Subaru 2.2 in it when I bought it.
> > >
> > > Battery charging problems.. The alternator is putting out
> 13-14v with the engine running, the battery is showing 12. whatever
> and it falls slowly as the engine runs. I put the meter on the
> battery cable at the batt cable/alternator junction at the starter, 13-14v.
> > >
> > > My thinking is 14 volts at the alternator, 14 volts at the
> starter, then 12v and dropping at the battery... there is there is
> something wrong with the cable.
> > >
> > > I can use some back up on this, I've been missing things.
> > >
> > > Rob
> > > vwrobb@gmail.com
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