damn batterys dead

Post by **MINI_BUS** » 20 Apr 2008, 17:42

brought a new battery last year and the van has killed it already any tips on, how to check wether my alternator is shot.
van seems to stutter as its driving, think timmings out to which isnt helping, any way of making a timing light?

Post by **VWCamperfan** » 20 Apr 2008, 18:06

Hi.
Has the battery been allowed to go completly flat at any time or has it always had a reasonable charge?
If its always had a charge then the alternator could be overcharging and would have damaged the battery that way.
Way to tell... Run engine and check charging voltage across battery terminals with a voltmeter. Should be reading about 14.2 volts give or take a half a volt!
If higher or lower then the regulator is shot on the alternator and either a replacement regulator or alternator will be needed.

Post by **chuckle-bus-tom** » 21 Apr 2008, 16:56

If you have somewhere to keep your van that is near a mains socket get yourself a battery saver. They keep the battery topped and drained like normal usage. Cost about £25 from Hellfords.