starting engine with alternator unhooked
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
From: Clinton TN
starting engine with alternator unhooked
I have rebuilt power steering pump and have it back together. Being as how the pump is below the alternator, can I start the engine without the alternator being in the circuit? Be easier to check fluid levels and bleed it with the alternator being in the way.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,060
Likes: 102
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
the only thing that the alternator does is provide electric and recharge the battery. without it, the power is supplied by whatever charge remains in the battery. as indicated already, it will eventually drain it down to where it will be unable to provide enough to start the car (even with the alternator hooked up). make certain it isn't a gel type battery and if it is, don't allow it to discharge badly. they don't like that and most often can't be revived successfully.
