Since the battery is inside, away from engine heat and the outside
elements, Vanagon batteries tend to last a long time. 6-7 years is not
un heard of. In 87, a larger battery cable and starter was used. Both
easy retrofits. You need to be sure the charging system is working
properly. 13.8 volts at the battery. A separate ground from the body to
the alternator is helpful. Check for current drains when the van is not
running. The refrigerator fan could be a problem if the van is parked
outside in hot weather. You may also have a bad starter or the bushing
may be worn. When you do use the van, is it driven long enough to charge
the battery?

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of ScotiaWesty
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2005 2:20 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: premature battery death or just not enough use? Flat spot on
starter?

Hey List:

I'm starting to get a bit suspicious about my electrical system.  Do
Vanagon's eat up batteries faster than other vehicles?  I put a new
battery
in the van this spring - proper type  MT 41 Interstate.  Went to take
the
family for a drive today and the van would not turn over.  I hate this
because it also frigs up the VW stereo where you've got to put the code
back
in, etc.

Anyhow, admittedly, the van does not get much driving time - about once
or
twice a month.  But I cannot see why a brand new battery would be sucked
dry
so fast.  Is it just not being used enough?  Is my clock sucking down
the
battery that much?

I also want to know about the starter.  My van has always hesitated for
a
fraction of a second when turning over unless the battery is charged up
110%.  Is this called a flat spot on the starter?  The hesitation of
course
gets more pronounced as the battery winds down and I think the
combination
makes the van even harder to start with a battery less than 100%.  As an
aside, we really don't put any domestic load on this battery.

OK.  I am sifting through the archive on this but your thoughts would be
most appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan

1986 Westy
Colorado