battery drain running propex heater?

Post by **jamesrobinhardy** » 24 Jun 2007, 18:11

Hello, very new to this. Have just got a 1988 VW 1.9 Petrol Auto-sleeper with a propex heater. I have been playing around with that and the fridge today and happy to say both seem to work! I assume, although running on gas, the heater draws electrical power for the fan from the battery. I wouldnt want to wake up warm but stuck. Could that happed? Should also say currently no leisure batter fitted. Secondly when on hook up do the electrics, internal lights and radio, automatically stop drawing on battery?

So many things to find out

Post by **kevtherev** » 24 Jun 2007, 18:29

welcome jamesrobinhardy

You will have the wiring for a leisure battery as I too have a 'sleeper

the fridge does not run on battery without the engine on
the fridge is much more efficient on gas
if the propex is left on at say No 15 on the thermostat it will last the night but it will drain the starter battery.
get a battery of 60+ amp hour, that fits under the passenger seat, halfords sell them ..No 075 I think.
there is no "zig unit" in 'sleepers so hook up supplies power to the sockets and a lamp.

hope that helps

Post by **jamesrobinhardy** » 24 Jun 2007, 18:42

Wow, great paint job you've had done! I saw the space for LB under passenger seat when first looking at the van, you say has wiring already, do the wires already come out to that area? When you fit an LB what makes the appliances stop drawing from the main battery?

Also will the propex draw from hook up when connected?

Post by **kevtherev** » 24 Jun 2007, 18:56

OK it's plain to see that you haven't read the wiki at the top of the page oodles of stuff for your help there.

there is a relay that is activated by the alternator that allows current to charge both batts...when the engine is off the relay swthces the charging circuit off
If the wiring is not present in the compartment then look for it at the starter batt there will be two red wires coming off the +ve terminal if it's one there then it has been removed.......Don't panic

tell me what you have

Post by **kevtherev** » 24 Jun 2007, 18:59

And no the propex is 12 volt so it wouldn't run off mains

Post by **jamesrobinhardy** » 24 Jun 2007, 19:15

Thanks, my dad is out investigating the wires now. Get back about that in a min. So the hook up powers the socket and lamp... the socket I knew

The van has one spot light and two flurescent do you mean all of these would be powered by hook up?

Post by **jamesrobinhardy** » 24 Jun 2007, 19:19

Yes found big thick wire in silver braiding coming from the engine, as well as a thick red one and a thinner red one on the +ve. One going to tow hitch? The both disappear down to hole in floor

Post by **kevtherev** » 24 Jun 2007, 19:32

OK so to clarify
hook up powers a lamp usually fitted to the wardrobe and the three pin sockets....that's it
the auxiliary battery powers the florescent lights, the little spot lamp, the propex, the radio, the water pump of which the speed is controlled by the tap, the fridge igniter, the water level indicator which has the aux batt condition LED's on it,
the starter batt powers the courtesy lights in the cabin and cab

OK so open the boot and just under the lip at the rear offside you should find the split charge relay

find it now

Post by **jamesrobinhardy** » 24 Jun 2007, 19:38

ok going to find it, what next?

Post by **kevtherev** » 24 Jun 2007, 19:42

There should be a big thick red wire (might be wrapped in black tape) that runs from that relay to the Aux batt compartement under the van on the inside of the Chassis rail and going behind the water tank.

Post by **jamesrobinhardy** » 24 Jun 2007, 19:46

Ok, raining here so will have a look in a bit. Lets say yes that wire is there. That feed then goes to +ve side of battery and -ve goes to chasis???

Post by **kevtherev** » 24 Jun 2007, 19:58

jamesrobinhardy wrote: That feed then goes to +ve side of battery and -ve goes to chasis???

yes thats your Aux batt charging curcuit this wire supplies the Aux batt with current from the Alternator.... the - ve will be just a short wire from the batt to the compartement body

Now then...from the Aux batt compartement to the starter batt compartement will be a feed wire. might be red and taped up in black.
this wire goes to your control panel

If all your lights and heaters work this wire may have been cut and attached to the starter batt.

Post by **jamesrobinhardy** » 24 Jun 2007, 20:05

the feed wire goes to the control panel? Is the panel water pump and fuses, 12 volt sockets etc?

Yes there is a 4th line in on the +ve of the starter battery dad thought it was from the cigarette lighter. Perhaps the feed from the aux then?

Post by **kevtherev** » 24 Jun 2007, 20:08

Is it red with tape on it?

yes

Then disconnect this wire and see if the lights work

Post by **jamesrobinhardy** » 24 Jun 2007, 20:18

Shall have to draw to a close on this on going investigation. The camper and I are at different locations up to now have been relaying your messages by phone, shall have a good look myself.

Your respray is really good. Very inspiring. I think your profile info said 850 and done this year in Wolverhampton? Giving me lots of ideas, shame the money doesnt come a long as easily

bfn