in France - battery help

[cleagarr]

Hi. Looks like the leisure has drained the life out if the starter... I bought a new starter that does not fit in the tray (long story, no other choice etc). I have just jump started from the new starter; if I keep them connected will both batteries charge... will they work in parralell (the original starter is 74ah the new is 72). Any advice?

Ta

[AdrianC]

Looks like the leisure has drained the life out if the starter...

The only way that can happen is if the split-charge relay has failed closed, so both are joined. If that's the case, then as soon as you start the engine both will charge. BUT, of course, both will discharge together as well.

If you disconnect the -ve clamp from the starter battery when you park up, you should be OK using the leisure without risk of flattening the starter battery. When you come to leave in the AM, reconnect the -ve and start up fairly quickly.

Don't disconnect the +ve or - if you do - make sure it's insulated from touching bodywork.

Get a replacement split-charge from any roadlouse/camper/motorhome place - plenty of 'em in France.

[dave lfc]

i had problems with my relay for my leisure battery so bypassed the relay using the original relay wire with an inline fuse on the positive cable and havent had any problems since and both charge but you will be taking a chance as you could possibly drain your starter battery if you use your leisure battery so it would be wise to keep an eye on it,cheers dave

[itchyfeet]

Ta answer your question having them both connected while engine running will charge both batts but if both flat this will make your alternator work hard, nothing wrong with that but better to be driving than idling
when you stop disconnect the starter batt then there is no chance of it draining ,

If you do this you should insulate starter batt 12v cable terminal as it sounds like your split charge relay has fused short circuit so when you disconnect your starter battery the cable will probably still be 12v of the leisure and so you dont want it to touch the body

id go buy a multimeter so you can do some checks

[cleagarr]

Thanks for the replies chaps... very useful.

Looks like the split charge relay was nadgered - was all fine when I disconnected the live on the leisure battery overnight.

[kevtherev]

A headlamp relay will work as a split charge relay

[cleagarr]

A headlamp relay will work as a split charge relay

Many thanks Kev - did you get to France this year?

[kevtherev]

A headlamp relay will work as a split charge relay

Many thanks Kev - did you get to France this year?

yes mate... and to the same place Kerloc'h and Cameret sur mer
just got back actually

[cleagarr]

Good stuff! Great pics (and I still love the colour of your van!!).

We went all over and right down to the South for what looks like our last trip in her.

[kevtherev]

last??

[cleagarr]

Yeah. Might need to go back to the tent for a year or so and try to get a promotion... will then definitely get back into it. Sad times but not really dwelling on it - there are more important things in life. Thinking might sell and buy a project if the right one comes along.