Date:         Tue, 28 Oct 1997 11:07:15 -0400
Reply-To:     mark keller <kelphoto@BRIGHT.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         mark keller <kelphoto@BRIGHT.NET>
Subject:      Re: Help!'84 Westy electrical short
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>Hello:
>        I need assistance in tracking down a 60 milli-amp (between battery neg.
>post and chassis) short that kills my battery in 2-3 days.  My '85 Westy
>reads only 5 milli-amps (dash clock?).

Chiang,

 Intermittent "shorts"  or better said, power draws, of this variety are
sometimes caused by "hanging" relays.  I suggest you consider the relays
that are always on when the power is on, ie an ignition or power to run
relay.  What occasionaly happens is that when you turn of the source power
the worn out  or faulty relay refuses to shut down the main power it's
responsible for providing,  and thus even though you correctly shut off the
power the, hanging relay is still "connected and drawing power.

You might consider a relay that when power up gives no light signal, ie
probably not the ignition since you'd see would possibly see an indicator
light.

If the problem is real repeatable,ie every other night or whatever, try
removing just one relay for a week to see if it cures the drain.  I'd say
either the most or least used rely would be a good start.

Since each of these buses is a different animal, I' cannot begin to suggest
more specific information.

Mark Keller
91 Carat WE
Lazarus