Itinerant Air-Cooled

I've been contemplating purchasing a hand held lithium jump starter as opposed to installing a camping battery. It would serve as a recharging station and emergency jump on our weekend trips. I've read the Samba posts regarding traditional jump starting an FI engine and the safety precautions to avoid a fried system. Does anyone have advice or experience using a portable unit like this on a FI engine.

Attach only with the ignition off. Remove only with the headlamps on once the engine is running. That should do it.
Colin

I would be interested in which one you end up buying.

In defense of a second battery: i just installed a camping battery with Bus Depots little relay, an old battery (not deep cycle) and a small second fuse box for all my interior lights, radio, charger port etc... We tested it out camping last week and it worked great.

ill prob upgrade battery at some point

relay:
http://www.busdepot.com/1738

fuse box I bought on amazon:
MICTUNING LED Illuminated Automotive Blade Fuse Holder Box 6-Circuit Fuse Block with Cover

Amskeptic wrote:Remove only with the headlamps on once the engine is running.

1. Does this apply to all f.i. VWs, e.g. Type 3s?
2. Why the deal with the headlamps?

whc03grady wrote:

Amskeptic wrote:Remove only with the headlamps on once the engine is running.

1. Does this apply to all f.i. VWs, e.g. Type 3s?
2. Why the deal with the headlamps?

a) yes

b) headlamps are a surge prevention device when you *release* the jumper cables, especially recommended for the donor car. Of course, you shut them off just after, so the alternator can charge the battery on the recipient.
Colin

To clarify, we're saying:

- Jump cars with lights off.
- Turn on both vehicle lights.
- Safely disconnect cables.
- Turn off vehicle lights.

Correct? I've jumped two cars this week and I think it would be good to have any extra notes.
Robbie

years ago i almost squished Colin between a minivan and my bus when executing this procedure.

Best include being in neutral too, then