Willinton Kit related question

[dvisor]

I have a leisure battery (which appears to be in good order) and a Willinton kit. If the starter battery is dodgy and loses its charge over a week or so, would current from the leisure battery pass to the starter battery when the starter battery dipped low enough, and thus discharge the leisure battery too?

[scanner]

Shouldn't do, as the relay should only close and allow current to flow if and when the starter battery voltage is high enough.

If it's too low the relay should stay disconnected.

[dvisor]

OK, thanks - that's pretty much how I thought it should work. What if the relay was kaput though? Would this cause the symptoms I describe, and is there any reliable way to test the relay?

[dave_aber]

Disconnect both positive terminals, and use a meter to check continuity between them. To make sure the multi-meter doesn't energise the relay (it shouldn't anyway as they are usually 9v), make sure the red lead is on the leisure battery side and the black one is on the starter battery side.

There is also a green LED on the relay. Once the engine is stopped, you should see this go out about 1-2 mins later, as the voltage decays slightly.

[dvisor]

Disconnect both positive terminals, and use a meter to check continuity between them. To make sure the multi-meter doesn't energise the relay (it shouldn't anyway as they are usually 9v), make sure the red lead is on the leisure battery side and the black one is on the starter battery side.

There is also a green LED on the relay. Once the engine is stopped, you should see this go out about 1-2 mins later, as the voltage decays slightly.

Thanks, I'll give this a try. I don't think I have the green LED on the relay - I've looked before and couldn't find it. My kit is nearly 3 years old, so maybe the LED is a later development (I'll check again, though).

[dave_aber]

IIRC, you are right - the LED is a later feature.

[scanner]

IIRC, you are right - the LED is a later feature.

Mine's that old and has the LED.

[dvisor]

Just to check I'm looking in the right area - this is the Nagares RL/180-12 relay? Mine has the same markings as one in a recent ebay listing by Willinton, although I see there are some other minor modifications to the kit (different fuse holders). Should the LED be on the top? I can't see anything glowing, and there's no physical sign of an LED (perhaps it is enclosed in the casing and causes the top to glow?). I haven't tried disconnecting the kit yet to put a meter across it, but when I started the engine there was no discernible click of the relay switching (although it must have closed because the voltmeter connected to the LB read 14.2v). I also didn't hear a click after turning the engine off.


Edit: Just disconnected the Willinton kit and checked for continuity. No continuity, so it seems like the relay is fine - now to start the search elsewhere......

[dave_aber]

Here's a photo of mine when I installed it :



The LED is the wee green thing next to the bolt head.

When I'm in the car I can hear the relay energising a few seconds after the engine has started. So, if you are not hearing it then it sounds like you have a problem.

The good news is that Martin Bird provides excellent after-sales service. Email him with your findings and I'm sure he'll sort you out.

[dvisor]

Thanks - that picture's useful. Definitely no LED on mine. I think the relay must be OK though. I disconnected the kit and there was no continuity. It looks more like I have two separate problems. Maybe a dodgy starter battery, and a drain on the the LB somewhere (I've tried all the usual culprits). Next step is to get the SB properly tested.

[dave_aber]

Good stuff, sounds like you are on the right lines. Have you put a meter in line with the L/B to measure current?

There was some talk a while ago about duff interior lights causing battery drain. Sounded improbable, but it was verified by a couple of people - the big light with the tube in it. Possibly was the case that the tube was duff, and left switched on by accident - the drive electronics will still draw some current.

[dvisor]

Good stuff, sounds like you are on the right lines. Have you put a meter in line with the L/B to measure current?

There was some talk a while ago about duff interior lights causing battery drain. Sounded improbable, but it was verified by a couple of people - the big light with the tube in it. Possibly was the case that the tube was duff, and left switched on by accident - the drive electronics will still draw some current.

I'd heard that too regarding the fluorescent tube, and replaced it not long after getting the van. I'll check it again though, 'cos it's a few years old now. I've got the SB out now, and will see whether it discharges on the bench over the next few days; or maybe take it somewhere to get professionally tested. I'll also try a meter on the LB and see if I can find a drain.