I also seem to remember strict warnings (cant remember where) that you must
never ever disconnect the battery when the engine is running. I don't know what
can happen, as I've never tried it. It is supposedly damaging to the alternator.

PerL
87 Syncro 112i

Karl Wolz wrote:

> I kinda remember in the old days, driving a truck with the battery
> disconnected, but that was carbureted and non-electronic ignition, etc.  I
> think if you disconnect the battery in a Vanagon, you've disconnected the FI
> system.
>
> Yeah, I'm as groggy as you.
>
> Karl Wolz
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <KENWILFY@AOL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Monday, February 21, 2000 9:50 PM
> Subject: Re: Alternator not charging/ solenoid meltdown
>
> > Sorin, I'm kinda tired so this might not be right, but I am pretty sure
> that
> > if you unhook the negative battery terminal when the engine is running on
> any
> > van that it will kill the motor.  Why?  Because you have just opened up
> the
> > return path in the circuit.  All of the electricity going to the motor has
> to
> > have a ground and you just unhooked it.  So no wonder it dies (normal).
> > The problem you were having with the "solenoid" (which is actually called
> a
> > coil) was really unrelated to your charging problem.  When coils go bad
> they
> > poop out black tar which insulates the coils inside from each other.
> > Eventually even tar will come out to allow the coils to touch which would
> > either kill your ignition or make the spark so weak that it wouldn't
> start.
> > The best way to check your charging system is with a multimeter between
> the
> > two terminals of the battery.  Check it when the van is not running.
> Start
> > up the van and see what it is putting out then.  Should be around 13.6
> > volts-14 volts.  Higher or lower can mean problems.
> > Hope this helps you.
> >
> > Ken Wilford
> > http://www.vanagain.com
> > John 3:16
> > Office (856)-765-1583
> > Shop (856)-327-0027
> > Fax   (856)-327-2242
> >