Quote:
Originally Posted by tnmarm
So I went and did a quick test.
Turned Inverter ON. Set to Inverting ON. Turned AC Breakers ON.
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During this quick test did you meter the effect of the inverter status on the start battery? Reading your post I see you metered the house battery, but no mention of the start battery voltage during your test. Your assumption the inverter had anything to do with the start battery not starting the van on ONE occasion is flawed without testing. In your case, so far, I haven't read conclusive proof the isolator is bad. Not saying the isolator shouldn't be upgraded to a Blue Seas unit, just that it may not be the culprit this time.
I've never owned a 7.3 diesel van, but the two I've been around both have dual start batteries. Listening to my buddies try and start their vans on cold days, I don't think they would have been successful running a single battery. And I would be inclined to add the second battery for future peace of mind.
I always equate diagnosing automotive and/or electrical issues to being a detective. In that state of mind I try to isolate and observe. As Sherlock Holmes famously said, "Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth".
Facts as we know them;
Starter Battery did not start van on one occasion
Causes?
1) Isolator could be allowing Starter Battery drain from invertor usage. Easily proven with a meter on start battery as you turn inverter on/off with ignition off.
2) Some other battery drain on Starter Battery from devices normally wired to it, such as leaving on interior lights (non LED) or the radio for lengthy period. Or some other undiscovered drain.
3) Starter Battery is failing to hold charge.
4) 2nd Battery required because it's a Diesel.
5) All of the above
Keep testing and evaluating. Good luck. Regardless of the resolution, you are learning more about your van through this.