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VesiV · 06-19-2012, 03:02 AM

First off, as this is my first post, I just wanted to say thank you to all the generous people that take time to post on this site. I just bought a 1982 Champion 6.2 Diesel motorhome and have had quite a time getting everything hooked up and working again. This site has made it possible. Really.

On to my question: I have just installed a new battery isolator, but I purchased a group 3 isolator on accident. It has four posts as opposed to the three that a group 1 would have. The auto supply store said they would return it for me as it was sold in mis-marked packaging, but I'm wondering if I can just save everyone the trouble (and a bit of extra cost for the group one isolator) by simply bridging the E post to the A post. I'm just not certain that this would be a sure fire way of solving the problem. Is this a good idea? Has anyone tried this/ know if this would work? Thanks!!

wa8yxm · 06-19-2012, 11:38 AM

Is this a diode isolator or a solenoid type?

There are two kinds of diode isolators that I have seen, one has 3 BIG terminals and that is it (In theory you could make one with 4 but let's not go there just yet)

The other has 3 big and one small

If that is what you hage, Just do not connect the small one at all.

(NOTE the 4 big post would be for a 3-battery system)

The other is a solenoid isolator, These all have 4 terminals. Always

Two big, and one small plus eiter a 2nd small or the case of the unit

I am not sure you can jumper.. The ones with the case as "Ground" for the solenoid are designed for continous operation.

The ones with a 2nd small terminal, MAY be magnetic latching and NOT designed for continous operation (That is continous power to the coil)

However,, I do not know, for sure . I would need the full make and model of the device to do the needed research.

VesiV · 06-20-2012, 02:40 AM

This I think was a diode type isolator. Four big terminals...the manual said it was for "group three" alternators like the Bosch ones...there's a secondary cable that runs to the alternator for some reason I don't remember

/ I actually just took it down to the parts store again and had it switched out for a "group one" isolator. Thanks for your reply!