TheSamba.com :: View topic - New 1980 Vanagon Riviera Owner... Quick questions...

Tue Apr 10, 2012 10:39 am

I am the proud owner of a 1980 Riviera. I purchased the bus in Seattle, and drove it all the way back to Chicago, 2400+ miles. I sprung a gas tank leak (tank) which I posted about separately but outside of that I had no issue driving all the way back to Chicago. Before this, my slowest car had 350hp to the wheels, so going 45 mph up hills was an adjustment, but I have to say, I love this thing!

Now starting the tinkering. I noticed my aux battery isn't working, and I wanted to get some help. Is there anywhere to download a manual for the camper parts and section of a riviera? I don't have any experience with the hook ups, operation, etc. I notice a small switch behind the driver's seat on the cabinet. I am guessing this switches the battery in and out of the circuit. Its a 3 way position. To charge should i set it a certain way? My charge meter on the cabinet is low/ red. When I take out my voltmeter to the battery under the driver seat it reads .66 volts vs. the battery under the passenger seat reading 12.1. I checked the two fuses on the cabinet and one was blown, so I replaced it, but still the battery isn't charging. Ideas?

Also, I want to go and clean all my grounds. Does anyone know where I can find all of their locations in the Bentley?

Thanks for all the help, I am crazy excited about this brick.

Tue Apr 10, 2012 10:49 am

ASI used a large blocky blue aluminum finned dual battery isolator in the back engine compartment.
My 1980 had the 2nd battery in the rear behind the taillights, which then rotted out the bottom there..

iirc the battery isolator required a modification to the Alt's exciter/charge indicator wiring and I removed it when I changed motors.
you can find still a similiar isolator at pepboys or TSC stores..
http://www.google.com/search?q=battery+isolator

I'll try to find the technical info on the dual battery controller but here's some other ASI literature. most ASI components are jut standard off shelf RV items. so look local.

http://rivieraregistry.com/lit.php

Tue Apr 10, 2012 12:24 pm

Topic: Where are the electrical grounds?

Tue May 01, 2012 10:37 pm

So work has prevented me from playing as much with the van as i have wanted, but i just had time to fill my water tank, test the sink, drains, shore power etc. Related to this electrical talk. I am replacing the alternator because the voltage is low at the alternator. Hopefully that gets me charging the aux battery again.

Semi related to my question about the switch above want to be sure i know how it works. It's a 3 way switch, and when connected to shore power, i switch it one way and everything in the van seems to run off the shore power, water pump, fridge, ac plugs, etc work. What are the other two positions.

left - ??
middle - ??
right - shore power

there are two 15 amp fuses there above. Is this my inverter?

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwb3/7134496311/]

Tue May 01, 2012 10:47 pm

also, looking for a cap for the potable/ fresh water inlet. feels gross to have it open, because i do hope to one day be able to drink that water. Anyone know where i can source a cap?

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Tue May 01, 2012 11:15 pm

Try here:
[url] http://www.rvpartscenter.com/prodselect.asp?SID=36&DID=7&CID=291[/url]

Or look up any other rv place. Even some westy stuff can be found at rv places.

Wed May 02, 2012 5:40 am

I got a complete online set of manuals for the big dometic, for my converter and for my furnace from Andrew Libby online. I haven't printed them off yet. Mine is an 83.5 so it is water cooled.

There are some threads re Riviera's (ASI) and look on the FAQ asked thread.

I'm wondering if you bought your van from a friend of mine. Welcome to the 'elite' Riviera family but we are after all Vanagoneers!