How far can i drive without an alternator?

[PMNorris]

I have a 70T, which i've just fitted a 79SC engine in. The alternator doesn't work and i want to take it to a mechanic, which could be 5 hours away. With both batteries fully charged and the headlights on (required in Poland) how many hours could i drive for before it dies? I'd rather drive it than trailer it.

Thanks
Paul

[Xavier PJB]

I have a 70T, which i've just fitted a 79SC engine in. The alternator doesn't work and i want to take it to a mechanic, which could be 5 hours away. With both batteries fully charged and the headlights on (required in Poland) how many hours could i drive for before it dies? I'd rather drive it than trailer it.

Thanks
Paul

As far as until you are running out of fuel.

However you will empty your battery fast, but this will not prevent you from driving/engine running. your indicators, headlights, etc. will not work once the battery is empty.

Cheers
Xavier

[jrbennett]

I disagree with Xavier, or perhaps I misunderstood his reply.

Once your battery is dead, that's it without a generator/alternator.
You need electrical power for the ignition. No spark = no go.

There is only one way to find out how far you can go...
...and that's go for a drive

[edmayo]

Without the head lights on I'd say "no sweat" you could make it, headlights on are another matter. Can you cheat and just run one headlight? improves your chances! How about carrying a spare battery,,,,,just in case!

[Xavier PJB]

I disagree with Xavier, or perhaps I misunderstood his reply.

Once your battery is dead, that's it without a generator/alternator.
You need electrical power for the ignition. No spark = no go.

There is only one way to find out how far you can go...
...and that's go for a drive

On earlys you do not need an alternator for the ignition. I had exactly the same problem : dead alternator, battery empty - pushed the car, engaged 2nd gear, fired it up, and drove 400 kms... Engine was a 3.2 on carbs

The battery is used for accessories and starter, not for the ingnition. The rotor is running by using the crankshaft to generating electrical impulse to the sparks.

Xavier

[Barwaut]

And I am still not believing that...

[Xavier PJB]

And I am still not believing that...

..........Meaning ?

[Frank Beck]

and the electric fuel pump that CIS needs would be powered how?

Here's a concept: Fix the bloody thing so you don't have to play Polish Roulette.













Did we all fall for a Polish joke here?

[Xavier PJB]

and the electric fuel pump that CIS needs would be powered how?

Here's a concept: Fix the bloody thing so you don't have to play Polish Roulette.















Did we all fall for a Polish joke here?

That is a point : the CIS electric pump - mine was running on carbs...however you would agree that for ingnition (sparks etc..) you do not need a running alternator. right ?

Polish roulette, this is funny. I know many roulettes, but this one is new to me

[fromage]

definitely NOT on a 5 hour trip...NO WAY... pure folly even for a short trip...

there is mention of "both batteries" which means 2 small batteries whose combined reserve capacity is minimal...these are Not deep cycle batteries which have a different way they supply power over a longer time... reserve capacity is NOT the same as starting capacity ( cold cranking power )... then there is the age factor of the batteries... ignition plus lights plus etc the batteries might last 30 minutes... the technology is different between starting battery and deep cycle... starting batteries are designed to deliver power for only a few seconds... think listening to the radio then not being able to start the car :=)

tow it or repair in place... Ignition engines need power to run... anyone that says different does NOT know what they are talking about ( diesels excepted )