How far on battery only ? (1 Viewer)

[thabruiser]

I'm sure this is beyond being useful. But for future reference, if your alternator isn't putting out any voltage, sometimes hitting or pecking the case of the alternator can *jar* the brushes enough to make the alternator work a bit longer, maybe just long enough to get you home safely. I have freed several inop alternators this way. Just an idea.

 

[Chuychanga]

What are the opinions on how far I can get on a battery only with minimal electrical circuits on ?

I can tell you with the heater on, the headlights on, and the stereo playing, the answer is from Houston Hobby Airport parking lot to the Love’s truck stop just west of Katy, TX on I-10. 45ish miles. I have done some specific “research” on this.

Also, if you are in the habit of storing random items like phones, sunglasses, and dry cleaners coupons on that convenient little shelf on your instrument panel where they might block things like your battery light… I’m here right tell you that’s a bad habit to get into.

 

[CJF]

Redbarn
From SE PA
Joined Nov 7, 2019
Last seen Yesterday at 3:00 PM

 

[Redbarn]

Many thanks folks for your data & experiences.
In the end, we didn’t need to try to do 250+ miles on batteries only.
Our hosts for the weekend got on a phone blitz & found an independent who did a new alternator fit this morning.
I got an alternator from O’Reillys but kept the original.
I’m going to get this original rebuilt by a local starter/alternator specialist & it will go back on when I do the timing belt/water pump in the spring.