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Date:         Sun, 4 Nov 2001 07:01:07 -0500
Reply-To:     Vanagon Man <puzerewski@MSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Vanagon Man <puzerewski@MSN.COM>
Subject:      Re: can vanagon run w/out alternator?
Comments: To: Michelle & Adam Brooks <adambrooks@mindspring.com>

About 20 years ago, i was coming back to NC from Chicago, when in the middle of the night my alternator went out just outside of Cincinnati...........made it to a gas station with no lights, etc., had them charge the battery, and camped outside the FLAPS. When the flaps opened, they wanted $125 for an alternator (too young to know about brush replacement back then) and I just did not have that kind of money.

So, I pulled all my fuses except the engine ones, and drove from Cincinnati to Knoxville........charged the battery there and made it home........

Useful info for when emergencies such as this arise......

Adam P 81 westy (3 of them) 74 beetle 73 Transporter (at paint shop!) 70 Single Cab "Whitey" Vanagon Partsmobiles ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Moery" <mikemoery@WORLDNET.ATT.NET> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2001 7:42 PM Subject: Re: can vanagon run w/out alternator?

Vanagons, like most all modern vehicles, need electricity to run. When the alternator quits, the engine will run off the battery for quite a while, as long as all the accessories are off, especially the headlights. While it takes just a small current to power the ignition system, the starter is another matter, as you discovered. It takes a lot of amperage to start. Diesels, on the other hand need only enough power to energize the fuel solenoid, so they can run without an alternator for a very long time. Same problem with starting though.

Mike Moery, Anchorage, AK ---------------- ||E[__] [__]|[_]\\ | =======| - || * * * =( o )--------( o )= =='Ol Bessie '82TD Westy

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Andrew M Fox Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2001 2:43 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: can vanagon run w/out alternator?

My question is if the alternator fails on a vanagon can you keep the engine running assuming you don't need headlights or any other accesories? I know that on some cars the EFI uses electricity so if the alternator goes you have a limited amount of time before there is'nt enough electricity to to run these critical engine electrical systms. If you can't run the engine without proper voltage does anyone know what the electrical draw is of the vanagon engine, ie how long can you go before having to get a tow or switch to your alternate battery (if you have one). Recently on a long trip my alternator stopped working. I was able to drive but when i stopped for gas and tried to start it again there was'nt enough juice for the starter. I used my auxillary battery to jumpstart the van and was on my way.

Thanks, Andrew Fox 86 Westy Ft. Collins CO


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