Simple one! Is there any risk in starting/running the car with the alternator output lead disconnected?
I am presuming not, as it seems generally that you can drive a car on a dying battery once the alternator has failed. Correct, or am I misinformed?
Thanks, Adam.
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That is not so. Unless there is a load on the alternator is not producing any power, well only just enough to keep it energised. When the battery is fully charged the voltage rises to around 14v and it almost stops charging, otherwise it would cook the battery. It will continue to power anything that is running on the car but in daylight hours that can be very little.
When the voltage reaches about 14.5 it stops charging altogether so if you run it without the battery connected the voltage will rise to a point that the regulator provides no field current to the rotor and thus no output. the alternator sees being disconnected in the same light as being connected to a full battery.
Peter
When the voltage reaches about 14.5 it stops charging altogether so if you run it without the battery connected the voltage will rise to a point that the regulator provides no field current to the rotor and thus no output. the alternator sees being disconnected in the same light as being connected to a full battery.
Peter
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I'd agree Peter and if you disconnect the warning light wire as well I believe this will stop excitation completely.
I base that on having once observed a break in that wire preventing it charging.
I base that on having once observed a break in that wire preventing it charging.
Jim
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