Westy BBB not working

[ceejay007]

Morning all,

I've got a '90 California, and the BBB doesn't seem to be working. I've only had it for a short period, so not sure how long the problem's been around.

Basically, the leisure batt is sitting on about 10v, regardless of whether the vans running or not. When the engine is running, or it's plugged into mains, i'm not hearing anything from the BBB. The relay under the drivers seat doesn't make a noise either.

What are some basic tests i can do to isolate the issue? I've got the cover off the BBB, and with the engine running, i'm not getting any voltage on the white wires coming in, or any of the other wires on the top part of the charger.

The socket on the van works when the mains are plugged in, so there's definitely power coming in.

Thanks in advance!

[AdrianC]

Sounds like two problems.

The BBB doesn't play any part at all in charging with the engine running and the mains unplugged - the split charge relay should connect to allow the alternator to charge both together.

[California Dreamin]

10 volts is dead as a proverbial! better charge the leisure separately (with a stand alone charger) to establish whether it's retrievable or just scrap.
What usually happens is something goes wrong with the battery (boils dry, goes dead cell or even internally shorts) the resultant current flow is just too much for the original puny 20/30amp relay so it melts..usually closed circuit,
A new battery, relay and terminals usually fix this.

As for the BBB charger....two things to look at, the small glass fuse is intact (think it's 2 amps?) and the thermo coupling hasn't gone open circuit (these protect the charger by turning off when they get too hot) good news is they cost pennies to replace.

Martin

[ceejay007]

Thanks for the responses.

I do think the battery has had its day. There was a lot of corrosion on the positive terminal, and a couple of the wires did look a little melted. I put new connectors on two of the wires the other day. I might be better off just buying a new battery.

I checked the glass fuse, which is intact. I haven't been able to test the thermo fuse though. What's the best way to test this? I'm assuming a multimeter is sufficient. When it's plugged in, or the van's running, should i just be touching either side of the fuses to see if i'm getting any current? I've done this previously, but there was nothing coming in.

Also, are the relays easy to source? We're off to the continent tomorrow, so can't order online unfortunately and will have to get one on the road.

[California Dreamin]

The original is like this:
http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/p ... ategory/36" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not the common 'change over' type.

Only problem is if it were mine I would be tempted to upgrade (as in fit something heavier duty) but just to get you up and running something like this should be a straight swap.

Martin

[ceejay007]

Thanks a million Martin. Found a relay, and it began charging. Looks like the leisure battery is dead though as it isn't holding charge. I'll have to get a newie.

There doesn't seem to be any charge when i'm plugged in either. What's the best way to test this? I'm assuming the battery is not going to sit on 14v + as it does when the van is running?