How far can I drive without an alternator?
 

I am moving the car from winter storage to my garage to fix the alternator (fried diodes). That is a 30 min. drive.

You battery should go for 30 minutes assuming one, it is a fairly new battery, and two, it is fully charged, and three, you don't run any accessories.

If the battery has a good charge, is reasonably fit, and you aren't using your accessories, this should work okay. Make SURE the belt is still connected though, as you CANNOT run the engine wthout the fan without damage.

There was another thread about this where a guy had to go 60 minutes, but carried an extra battery. I think he did the whole thing on one battery. Just carry a spare in case I say...

Thanks, I found the thread..

I will get an extra battery and turn off all the accessories + the headlights!

A couple of years ago, the alternator in my '77 died the night before a PCA auto-x. I went anyway, and used my VW bus to re-charge the 911 battery in-between sessions.
http://www.vintagebus.com/gallery/image/2745.JPG

It is my understanding that it is OK to run without an alternator as long as the belt is turning the fan. I don't want anyone to get the impression you can run your car if the alternator/fan belt breaks!

I've run 45 min, then 20 min. a few days later on one fresh charge. My car died 2 years ago on the Garden State Parkway, and I had enough momentum to pull off an exit and roll into a gas station.....what luck. After an hour+ of charging, off I went back home. New alternator was bad. You should be just fine.

regards,

jbripps, Manhattanite?

Thom,

that really looks like at great race day! I can barely wait to get going..

JBRipps seems to be in New City, not New York City. New City is in northern Rockland county.

Stephan

Running a car without an alternator is ok and will only use up the battery.
What you can't do is run a car that has a good alternator without a battery . This will fry the alternator. Believe me, I have done it.

It worked out fine! I drove 20 miles on a 50% charge, and the red light was shining bright all the time..

Yes fellas, I'm in Rockland County, about 35 minutes from Midtown NYC.

regards,

I drove from Willow Springs to San Jose, about 5 hours, using 2 batteries and no alternator. Had the headlights on for about an hour.

You'll be fine provided you have a full charge.

The red alt light will start to dim about 10 minutes before it gives out, giving you some warning and a chance to get someplace safe.