Phaedra, some points to check before setting off to buy a new battery.

First, thoroughly clean down to bright new metal the terminal posts, and
the terminal clamps. This insures a good mechanical electrical
connection.

Second, inspect the wires where the copper is exposed to go through the
terminal clamps. If there is corrosion present, you may need to replace
the cable or at least cut it back to clean bare wire and reinstall the
old clamp well cleaned or install a new one on the end of the wire.

Third, clean the battery exterior throughly with baking soda dissolved
in water. This mix neutralizes any acid on the battery that occurs from
acid fuming, and kills any path for electrical leakage which can pull
down the voltage in the battery. You might go ahead and clean the
battery box as well, also neutralizing any acid residue. Dry thoroughly
after the job is done.

Fourth, check the electrolyte level in the battery cells. If low, add
distilled water only, and use a squeeze bottle to deliver the water.
That way you can better control the amount you put in to bring it up to
level.

Fifth.  Check your battery voltage. After all this cleanup and
preparation, start the engine and let it run a while. It should come up
to a full charge in a little while. Shut down the engine, disconnect the
battery, and put a multimeter across the terminals. Fully charged it
should read 12 volts or better.

Finally, if you still have slow start problems, take the battery to a
garage where they have the equipment to load test each cell. If you have
a weak cell in the battery it will show up by getting hot, and it won't
put out the voltage.

Then you will know for sure.

Luck,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

PSavage wrote:
>
> When I bought my '85 eighteen months ago
> it came with a used battery, which has given good service.
>
> Several times lately, usually after the van has sat for five
> or six days without starting, the engine doesn't start *right*
> up like it used to.  There is a hesitation before it turns over.
> Is this symtomatic of a worn out battery?
>
> (I had a new starter installed eighteen months ago, & six
> months ago a new ignitions switch.)
>
> Advice much appreciated, as always!
> Cheers,
> Phaedra
> '85 Wolfsburg Westy