[Mgb-v8] Alternator question

[Paul Hunt]

That is definitely not the case.  If it is well below 10v when cranking it
*may* be shot, or just flat, but if only slightly below it is simply be
partially discharged, and normal running will bring it back to full charge.
However if a battery is repeatedly flattened (either by a trickle load e.g.
alarm, ICE etc., or simply not having been run for many months) to below the
point at which it will start an engine it *will* lose a bit of capacity each
time, and the length of time you can leave it and still restart next time will
gradually get shorter.  If you regularly leave the cars long periods then a
*conditioning* charger will keep the battery topped-up.  these sense battery
voltage and vary the charge automatically to suit.  Leaving a conventional
trickle charger on for long periods is not a good idea as it will knacker the
battery almost as well as letting it repeatedly discharge.  If you have
after-market stuff that puts a drain on the battery while parked then a
battery cut-off switch is a good idea (but *not* one with a bypass fuse).
These switches also eliminate the possibility of a short developing while the
car is parked up that could burn it out, and also are a quick and convenient
way of cutting off the power (together with switching off the engine) if a
short should develop while you are driving.

PaulH.

----- Original Message -----
  Are you saying if a battery voltage is below 10 volts, then it is shot and
  trying to charge it will not help.