Might be the radio. Does the face stay lite when it's turned off and the
ignition is off also? Some radioes have 2 plus voltage wires, one is always
on and it keeps the time correct and the other is switched with the ignition
and it powers the rest of the radio including a lite for the face. However I
can't explain the "sometimes" part. Also could have something to do with the
radiator fan or fan switch. Possibly a pinched wire.

Joe

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Schaper" <JSchaper@SCHSA.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2001 1:48 PM
Subject: Battery looses voltage

> I've got an electrical problem somewhere and hoping someone can help me
> diagnosis.  Basically, only sometimes, the battery looses voltage and
won't
> start over a period of 8-10 hours--there is a drain or a short somewhere.
> These are the only circumstances that have changed since this problem
arose.
>
> 1.  Hit a deer, wrecked the radiator and radiator fan, which I replaced.
> 2.  Installed a radio cassette player.
>
> How can a multimeter be used to identify the source of the drain?
>