[DML] Re: Alternators

["content22207" <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The alternator has absolutely no bearing on starting an engine -- only
the battery, starter motor, and wiring between them (and of course
spark and fuel mixture). In fact a car will run just fine with no
alternator whatsoever, sometimes for hundreds of miles. In the
backwards world of DC polarity the battery actually comes after the
alternator -- it powers the vehicle, and the alternator recharges it. 

If your engine was turning normally but not catching, I'd suspect
ignition first then fuel mixture. If the engine wasn't turning at all,
I'd suspect:
- No noise from the starter motor: solenoid or wiring
- Single click from the starter motor: battery 

BTW: I'm running a 70 amp Volvo ap Motorola no problem. Of course I
have thrown away all onboard electronics except ignition and the radio...

Bill Robertson
#5939

>--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "secret_jedi_guy"
<secret_jedi_guy@xxxx> wrote:
> 
> 
> Hey guys, I am curious how long the stock alternators last?  I still 
> have one and my D' is one of the first 81's.  Last night I had a lot 
> of trouble starting it.  I had power to everything electrical 
> headlights, radio, AC, cooling fans,etc. , but the car would not 
> start.  After hooking up some jumper cables the car started.  I know 
> that when you have power, but the engine does not turn over, that 
> the alternator is probably going.  After jumping it, it held it's 
> charge and was running at 13 volts all the way home(about 17 
> miles).  Any thoughts would be appreciated.  I either need a new 
> battery or new alternator, and if it's the latter then that will be 
> really expensive.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Japheth VIN: 1223








To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx

For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com

To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/