Hi all
Can I run this past the far more knowledgeable bods on the forum than me.
I have a 17 seat bus. If I park it for a week or so, the batteries go flat. I got the impression the tacho was the culprit. I have to leave this in place because we are going to France where you have to have n use a tacho if you have 9 or more seats. Even if non commercial.
I fitted a big cut out switch in the battery earth lead to stop any drain and, this has worked well, until recently. I parked for a couple of weeks and the batteries were flat again but the bus jump started ok and ran. After driving for 20 mins or so, I again failed to start. I charged the batteries for 24 hours and had them tested as ok.
I then read the posts on here for advice. I don't think there's a starter motor prob as it jumps ok. I assume the alternator is ok as the bus runs well with all the LEDs on my fag lighter splitter indicating there's loadsa voltage available. I haven't tested any voltages properly yet (lent me meter to the guy next door). I dismantled the battery earth lead as per all the advice and found a right mess. It took a wire wheel in a drill to get rid of all the rust and dull surfaces. There was nothing other than the bolt and washer holding the connector to the body. I put a lock type washer on either side of the connector to bite and make a better earth contact and lubed it all with copper paste.
What I need to ask you all is, do you think this poor earth lead connection has just stopped the batteries from charging? ie there are no issues with starting or charging?
I just don't want to have another non starter.
Thanks all