[Vwdiesel] Auxiliary Battery

[Sandy Cameron]

At 11:32 PM 4/20/03 -0400, you wrote:

>The only concern I have is trying to keep both batteries charged. I think
charging them simultaneously is out of the question due to the stress put on
the alternator. I dont want to upgrade the alternator.
>

Most of the diesel pickups, like the chevy suburban, the ford powerstroke,
etc, use dual batteries, and they just connect them in parallel. (I don't
like parallel batteries unless they are identical in type and age).

The alternator is a self-limiting device, which is why they do not use
current regulators like the old generators used to. It's not the problem.

Parallel dual batteries are OK in vehicles used daily, as long as they are
the same age (preferably from the same batch) , the same type, and replaced
together. In most solar electricity system, batteries are usually connected
together series-parallel to achieve the power levels required.

***
Hey Hagar, how about the batteries in those old diesel electric submarines
(Like Canada just bought) , were they series-parallel??
***

Just make sure your wiring is in good shape and properly fused, and parallel
the 2 negative ground cables to the same LARGE bolt on the engine block near
the starter.

The only item likely to suffer is the starter itself because of all the
extra amps it can suck, if the engine is stiff.

There is no substitute for a light weight synthetic oil, new heavy battery
cables, (the stock ones suck) and an absolutely perfect glow plug system for
reliable winter starts. Begin there.