Vs V8 Alternator

[Rumbl]

Hey just wondering can you start your car without the alternator plugged in?

[Manta_268]

Should be able too but it wont run for long!

[mr031]

yes you can, battery wont charge

[304runner]

Yes, but the car wont run if the battery is flogged out and from memory you made a post not too long ago about your car not starting from a flat battery....

[m1lky]

Charge the battery up and dint use headlights. it will run for quite a while. If you have a voltmeter watch it. Under 10v stuff will stop working

[Brett_jjj]

If you run an alternator without the wiring connected, it can cause the diodes to fail from running it open circuited.. Theres warnings about this in the workshop manuals, and it warns not to use alligator type clips when connecting test equipment etc to the alternator, as the alligator clips can come off again easily. It says to use bolt on type clamps because if one of the clips comes off whilst the alternator is running, it will open circuit the alternator and this can cause the diodes to fail like I mentioned before..

[wortus]

Pretty sure you can run a car with the alternator not connected without damaging the actual alternator as there would be no current flowing in the alternator the problems start if you disconnect the battery terminals with the motor running (alternator connected) as the battery also acts to absorb any voltage transients or surges which often damage things like the ECU.

[phear11]

yes you can run it without the alternator but as said above it will drain the battery so dont run lights!

[VrWagz1]

as above, done it plenty of times. However the car will only run as long as the battery has some charge.