The problem with the relay is not that it will cause = charging problems, but rather that it is undersized to safely handle = the potential current flowing to/from the battery.

Your problem is possibly due to chronic over or = undercharging, or perhaps the relay has failed completely, and = therefore the battery is not charging at all.

BTW,  these gel-type batteries are very picky = about charge voltages.

Brent Christensen

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Manning
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: 3/22/2000 8:27 AM
Subject: Optima Batteries

Hello list members,

I have a question on installing an Optima Battery for = anyone who already
has one installed. Checking the archives, I noticed = on list member
stated
you need to replace the 30 amp relay under the = drivers seat with a
bigger
relay as well as a #8 wire from the alternator to = the relay.

Right now, I have a 32 amp hr battery with the = standard westy 30 amp
relay
and would like to know if anyone is still using this = relay/wire setup
with
an Optima without upgrading. I follwed the = instructions from the Vanagon
site and had no problems until this year when the = battery just won't
hold
a charge anymore.

TIA
-steve