How many amps can I bang into my leisure batteries without cooking them?

[Lenny HB]

about 50mm

Shouldn't be a problem, should be able to get 100mm into it.

 

[jongood]

Shouldn't be a problem, should be able to get 100mm into it.

Thanks Lenny but I'm assuming there s one too many noughts in that?

 

[68c]

So going back to the problem of two identical chargers giving different outputs when one switched off. I understand you are using the same clamp meter to take the readings. Assuming you are clamping around the same EARTH cable, the only way you can get different readings is if the current at the point you are reading is truly not the same. Assuming the cables from the chargers to the batteries are of the same diameter and length and that the two chargers really do output the same, the only way you can get a lower current flow is if the resistance from the individual charger to the battery is not the same and so limits the voltage applied to the batteries and the current passed.

I am assuming both batteries are correctly wired up, as in the first diagram, and that you are clamping the meter around the negative cable which is attached to earth.

Check both leisure batteries have a common earth cable. If they do not and one has a poor connection you can expect different readings.
Check the output voltage of each charger on its own, under load, is really the same as the other. Take reading at the batteries.
Check the connecting cable diameters and length really are the same.
Check any cable connections are in good condition with no chance of a high resistance.

 

[jongood]

12 volt Alternator wires fixed today so fired it up and getting about 41 amps from it, still not the full 65 but a marked step forward from 28.

While I was looking at the Alternator I also noticed a couple of pinholes in the exhaust. So for all those who think A Classes are hard to work on. It took me all of 45 minutes to get the pipe between the exhaust brake and the Silencer off. Its to the right side of this photo just underneath the exhaust brake. which slips out as you undo the bolts

 

[CazPaul]

Nice one Jon, so conclusion is that gel batteries are excellent for longevity and value?

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[jongood]

Nice one Jon, so conclusion is that gel batteries are excellent for longevity and value?

Yes Paul, its pretty impressive given the age of them.

Ive sorted out the engine charging, got a plan for the Solar and just need to decide whether or not to sort out the mains charging.

 

[funflair]

Yes Paul, its pretty impressive given the age of them.

Ive sorted out the engine charging, got a plan for the Solar and just need to decide whether or not to sort out the mains charging.

Looking good Jon, if solar and alternator are sorted mains charging should be the least of your worries, maybe think about swapping for a mass combi inverter charger one day

 

[funflair]

12 volt Alternator wires fixed today so fired it up and getting about 41 amps from it, still not the full 65 but a marked step forward from 28.

While I was looking at the Alternator I also noticed a couple of pinholes in the exhaust. So for all those who think A Classes are hard to work on. It took me all of 45 minutes to get the pipe between the exhaust brake and the Silencer off. Its to the right side of this photo just underneath the exhaust brake. which slips out as you undo the bolts

View attachment 441521

If the lever bottom right the exhaust brake Jon?

 

[jongood]

If the lever bottom right the exhaust brake Jon?

Yes Martin. just an electrically controlled flap in the exhaust.

 

[jongood]

Bit of an update, I sorted out the solar a few weeks ago and recently decided even though I'm not planning to spend much time on EHU I wasnt going to be happy with the current mains charging arrangements so Ive now now added a 40ah Sterling Charger as well. Its alittle busy in there but now looks like this

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[jongood]

The Mh came fitted with an Efoy and a LPG dometic Genny. I'm still waiting for a starter motor for the genny which I Ideally want to retain but Ive totally removed the Efoy and will be ebaying it as spares or repair when I get round to it.