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