Bill, if you follow the Bentley wiring, then the relay is only closed when the
voltage output from the alternator exceeds the voltage output from the battery.
This can only happen when the engine is running. Consequently, the aux. battery
is not connected through the relay until the engine is running. It contributes
nothing on start up.
-Larry J

Bill Davidson wrote:

> > <snip> Therefore, no current should flow from the starting battery to the
> aux battery with just the ignition turned on, only when the alt is producing a
> voltage.
>
> Larry,
> I'm not 100% sure of this,<snip>
> Bill