> I assume you are going to check for some kinkd of dead short in the system
> before installing another battery?
>

Yes, definitely a good idea. The recurring failure mode of the crappy
rebuilt alternators in my Chevy Express van is a sudden, catastrophic
internal short of the V+ output to ground. The first time, it made the
battery explode. The next two times, it simply vaporized the weakest
section of the 8ga charging wire used to replace the 6ga factory wire
which melted its insulation after the first short. I suspect the first
battery was in bad shape already, but still, they shouldn't EXPLODE...

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Lastwagen"
'90 Vanagon GL - "Wiesel"