A good battery at rest should be close to 12.6 volts. The VW charging
system when working properly maintains ~13.8 volts. The ideal float
charge level for most batteries at normal temperatures. If you meter is
good, the readings you have indicate a bad battery cell. If the battery
can still start the engine, the bad cell is shorted. If the battery was
down to 10.5 V from sitting, it is probably sulfated. The 2A charger
will require ~ 30 hours bringing it up to charge if it really delivers 2
amps and the battery is healthy.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of tolga
Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2005 4:14 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: charging system problem? battery sitting for a while.

Hi there,
  Just finished up installing SA grill, H4 lights and headlight relays
in
my 84 1.9 watercooled.  The Van had been sitting in my garage for
several
months and the battery was down to about 10.5V.  I left it overnight on
my battery charger at a 2A trickle charge.  Today it's up to 11.6V.  The
Van starts right up but I noticed the battery and alternator are still
at
11.6V when running?  I think it should be in the 12.5 range when
running,
right?  Any suggestions?  Is there a way to test the alt or regulator?
  I also noted with the headlights on, the voltage at the connectors is
around 11.4V for both hi and low beams on both sides.  I did not measure
it before doing the project but the H4's are much brighter.

Thanks for any suggestions!
   Tolga