Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.
|
MG MGB Technical - alternator
79mgb in winter, i have,in the past,connected my battery charger to the battery to aid in morning starts in freezing weather. will this procedure damage the alternator ? thanks for your comments. john |
john |
Hi John. This isn't recommended practice. I understand that the theory is that voltage spikes from the charger could damage the semiconductors in the alternator (particularly when connecting / disconnecting), although if you connect directly to the battery the battery will tend to 'soak up' any spikes that do occur. I seem to recall reading that some modern chargers are designed to avoid the spike problem. Trickle charging overnight from a low-current charger is a better option in my view as it tops up the battery and warms it a little, both of which help with the morning start. It is also worthwhile switching off all electrical loads (lights, etc) and running the engine at a brisk tickover for 30 seconds when you arrive at your destination. Don |
Don |
IMHO there is almost no chance of spikes from the charger affecting the alternator *if you connect the charger direct to the battery*, which is where chargers are usually connected, due to its inherent smoothing characteristics. But connecting it to the brown at the alternator itself might carry a small risk, particularly if you got it the wrong way round. However with the concealed battery in the MGB it is much more convenient to fit a cigar lighter plug to the leads of your charger, and also quite safe. If you have a choice get an unfused plug (the cigar lighter in yours was fused from the factory) as they can get a bit warm in use. |
Paul Hunt |
This thread was discussed between 20/11/2004 and 21/11/2004
MG MGB Technical index
This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.