Hi everyone,
I remember some talk on this list several weeks ago about the differences
between alternators and generators so I thought someone on this list could
help me.
I go to my local dragstrip alot (Woodburn, OR) and today I was really
impressed by one of those homebuilt battery chargers that are basically an
old lawn mower engine hooked by belt to an alternator. This one was very well
built and it included an A/C compressor for airing up tires. I really liked
this thing and it persuaded me to build one for myself to use around my shop.
I read a post or two that said something to the effect of:
"Alternators will not charge a dead battery because they require voltage from
the battery to energize the field or something, but generators will charge a
dead battery."
If I've understood correctly, and an alternator won't charge a dead battery,
would a generator be a better candidate for a portable battery charger thing
like the one I mentioned above, or have I missed something. The sad part is
that I've wired dozens of cars and I would consider myself a pretty damn good
electrical trouble shooter- I should know the answer to this. Thanks for any
help you can offer.
Dustin
50&53 GMC 1/2 tons
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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