Club 80-90 Forums

Similar to Ninja, I'm trying to figure out what's working (and isn't) and how our 1989 Westy California is supposed to work.
> It seems that the Alternator charges the Starter Battery AND the leisure battery.
> I don't think the hook-up charges either (and there's no box under the rear seat - just a terminated lead)
We just came back from Scarborough (70ish miles) and the leisure battery (which is nearly useless) was very hot and starting to smell.

Before we spend money on a new Leisure Battery, does anybody have any advice on what the set-up should be and what might be wrong apart from a weak LB?
Thanks.
Rob.

I also have an 89 California and had a similar experience to you (the LB getting hot)
When I first brought the van the electroyte levels were very low in the LB (took well over a pint of water to top up). Our first trip out was to Rutland water and on the way we noticed a perculiar acrid smell and on investigation it was imediately obvious that the leisure battery was boiling it's head off and almost too hot to touch.
If you didn't already realise batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas so with the doors open and me blowing like mad around the battery I quickly disconnected the negative terminal.
It turns out that the damage was probably caused by running the battery dry and the heat was caused by warped plates shorting internally. The battery had also burnt out the split charge relay.
Mine needed:
A new relay (5 pin where both outputs switch live together) can use a heavy duty (40 amps plus) 4 terminal instead.
New battery
Job done and fixed
Martin

Red Westie wrote: If you didn't already realise batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas so with the doors open and me blowing like mad around the battery I quickly disconnected the negative terminal.

Never disconnect your battery when its hot and giving off gases as above, one spark and the battery will blow up in your face. Not nice seen it happen, let it cool down first...
Safety first.
IAN

I didn't have any choice, the relay had burnt out 'closed circuit' so the leisure was still boiling with the engine turned off....a bit scary and the reason I was blowing furiously around the battery as I disconnected the lead.
And let me tell you..I have witnessed a battery exploding...as loud as a shotgun and twice as scary!
Martin

Thats why there should be a fuse after the relay. Even if the relay fails closed the power drawn cannot exceed the wirings capacity.

Thanks Red Westie - that sounds (and smells) familiar, although mine hasn't continued after turning off.
Where will I find the relay?

As you are sat in the seat (L/H/D) the relay is front right of the battery box and accessed under the drivers seat/battery flap (might be easier to remove the seat off it's sliders.
As for a fuse...I agree but this is standard VW split charge wiring fitted at the factory. I might just upgrade it...
Martin

If you do upgrade it and have probs finding a strip fuse holder or connections try VWP.
I tend to fit an isolator straight after the battery, its required on inland waterways vessels and means you can switch the whole lot of from outside the battery box.

Found the relay, thanks fellas