Hi Kevin and All,
    Checking the battery voltage is a great idea. Especially after / while
changing the regulator.  New ones can be bad. Your digifant ecu will die if
the alternator / regulator puts out in the 17 volt area for very long.  The
alternator charging voltage should not get above 15 volts, about 14 volts is
ideal.
    To check an idle battery (not charging or pulling a load)  a fully
charged battery will measure 12.6 volts. If it measures 12.2 volts it is 50
percent charged.  If it gets below 12 volts it is pretty much dead and needs
a charge.
Darrell Boehler
Makanda Illinois

----- Original Message -----
From: Kevin Dawson <Calwolfie@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, October 29, 1999 11:06 AM
Subject: Re: Battery 82 Westy

> I would encourage you to also check your charging system after installing
a
> new battery.  If your voltage regulator fails in the open position it will
> allow the alternator to overcharge the battery.  This causes the battery
to
> "boil," losing water as it does so, and generate a tremendous amount
hydrogen
> gas.  Now you have a very explosive condition that doesn't need much of an
> ignition source for you to suffer a Hindenberg episode.  A very nasty
event
> indeed.
> Drive safely.
>
> Cheers,
> Kevin Dawson
> 87' Wolfsberg 1/2 Camper
>