I received my Delica Chamonix with dual batteries. At the time I didn't think anything about the type of batteries that were in there until a few days ago I started to get a slow crank. I looked over the terminals and discovered first that the negative terminals were loose. I then noticed that the various harness connectors running over the battery closest to the driver's side (Jappo driver's side) were not in the best of shape. I attempted to seperate the connectors and they literally exploded. Apparently, the lead acid batteries were off gassing and the resulting gas murdered every harness connector and wire in the immediate vicinity. As a mechanic for most of my life, I've known about the potential dangers of off gassing but have never seen it affect wires so aggressively. I assume this is because of the compact compartment of the L300, which doesn't allow for much airflow. Regarding the repair, I used 12 Gauge GM Weatherpak 2-Wire connectors to rebuilt the harness connetors that were melted. I happen to have the proper crimping tool for terminal ends so this process is very easy for me. After the repair of the harness, I installed a fresh set of AGM batteries from NAPA. The size is a Group 34. I even installed the battery hold down that had been under the rear seat for 4 months! I recommend to anyone who works with wiring, whether it's installing aftermarket accessories or just rebuuilding harness connectors to own of these crimp tools. I bought mine from Mac tools for $80. They allow you to crimp multiple styles of harness connectors and also do insulated wire connectors like the yellow, red, and blue ones found in those kits.
