<VV> How long will my Saturn run on the battery ? - NO CORVAIR

[Doug Mackintosh]

Emboldened by the advice of all my VV pals, I decided to try driving my 
Saturn (with a dead alternator) from Lynchburg, VA back to South Boston, VA. 
  I charged the battery last night and had my wife drive me up this 
afternoon.  The consensus of the group was somewhere around 1 hour battery 
life, ranging from about 1/2 hour to 300 miles.  My best guess was that I 
would make it at least half way home, would charge the battery again and 
bring it the rest of the way tomorrow.

I pulled the fuse for the automatic shoulder belts (otherwise they would run 
their little motors every time I turned the key off and back on).  Turned 
everything off.  Kept the engine speed as low as possible (on the verge of 
lugging).  Shut it off while going downhill, then restarted by letting out 
the clutch (one of my pals warned me about erratic automatic transmission 
behavior with a low battery, but thank goodness I have a 5 speed manual).  
Used the handbrake to avoid brake lights as much as possible, and kept the 
headlights off.  Made the trip in 1.5 hours, with juice to spare!

Thanks to all for your advice and good wishes!


-- Doug Mackintosh
   Corsa member since 1996
   Corsa/NC member since 1996,  Virtual Vairs member
   Corvair owner 1969-1971 and 1996-on

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