Did you know this?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Did you know this?
I am sure some will say, "Of course, you moron, what did you expect?"
While others, like me, will go.. "huh... didn't know that!"
So I am idling and running my windshield wipers on my 68, and my wiper over-ride switch doesn't work, and I think we all know that even if I turn my engine off the wipers will keep going, so I reach behind the seat and disconnect my battery.... and... the car just keeps running and so do the wipers. I thought the engine would stop when I disconnected the battery. I know the engine driven alternator produces electricity. I guess I thought that breaking the circuit would stop things.
I didn't expect that. But when I turned the key off with the battery disconnected the wipers did stop. Then I changed the wiper blade.
While others, like me, will go.. "huh... didn't know that!"
So I am idling and running my windshield wipers on my 68, and my wiper over-ride switch doesn't work, and I think we all know that even if I turn my engine off the wipers will keep going, so I reach behind the seat and disconnect my battery.... and... the car just keeps running and so do the wipers. I thought the engine would stop when I disconnected the battery. I know the engine driven alternator produces electricity. I guess I thought that breaking the circuit would stop things.
I didn't expect that. But when I turned the key off with the battery disconnected the wipers did stop. Then I changed the wiper blade.
Last edited by PRNDL; Aug 2, 2015 at 06:59 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 45
From: Middlesex NJ
Did you know this?
Great way to blow your alternator or more sensitive newer electronic parts that have shown up in these cars over the years... Never do this with the engine running! It may have been ok back in early 70's but many of us have newer electronics in our cars today that can get damaged due to the voltage spike created lifting the cables while the alternator is charging.
Also, the arc created could ignite the hydrogen gas that leaches out of the battery, especially in the cubbies on our cars.
Also, the arc created could ignite the hydrogen gas that leaches out of the battery, especially in the cubbies on our cars.
Last edited by mysixtynine; Aug 2, 2015 at 10:59 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Great way to blow your alternator or more sensitive newer electronic parts that have shown up in these cars over the years... Never do this with the engine running! It may have been ok back in early 70's but many of us have newer electronics in our cars today that can get damaged due to the voltage spike created lifting the cables while the alternator is charging.
Also, the arc created could ignite the hydrogen gas that leaches out of the battery, especially in the cubbies on our cars.
Also, the arc created could ignite the hydrogen gas that leaches out of the battery, especially in the cubbies on our cars.
when dealing with new Corvettes. I would not do it.....too much could go wrong. But an old car...I would and obviously it does take a bit of common sense when doing it to be safe and not blow yourself up. I have a tool that can check it...so I generally do not remove the cable...but it can be done under the right circumstances....in a pinch if needed. DUB
