Have you checked your alternator for output?
bob

----Original Message Follows----
From: Mad and Ed <MadEd@GTE.NET>
Reply-To: Mad and Ed <MadEd@GTE.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Battery discharging too soon?
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 10:44:44 -0700

Hi,

What can I expect from a 3 year old Optima red top?  Leaving the Van
for 2 weeks, 3 weeks, the first attempt to start  results in a
rr--rrrrrrrr from the starter--i.e., it hesitates on the first
compression stroke but will start after it gets turning.  Subsequent
starts are fine with nice fast turning.  The only discharge I can see
is the clock and fridge fan.   It seems to be charging when running--
the red light goes out but there is a faint glow from it when slow idle
at night.
Edward Lowe
Seattle, WA
82 Westy Diesel upgraded to 1.9lt. Turbo
85 Golf Diesel 1.6lt NA
92 Cabrio 1.8lt gas
97 Passat Tdi