<VV> Alternators without connections

[Andy Clark]

Uh, guys.....in order for an alternator to generate (no pun intended) any
kind of voltage/current it has to have 12V field excitation. That's what one
of the wires in the little connector supplies. Without it, the alt will not
generate (there's that pun again!) any meaningful voltage or current. The
only possibility for output is from the residual magnetism in the field
winding iron cores, and that is not enough to do any damage or even generate
a miniscule spark.

I agree with Ed. Let's not scare ourselves imagining boogie men in the
closet.
Andy Clark
1966 140/4 Monza Sedan
1966 140/4 Yenko Clone
1966 180/4 Cord 8/10

----- Original Message ----- 
> In a message dated 4/13/2006 3:43:27 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
> JVHRoberts at aol.com writes:
>
> I've  watched the debate go back and forth over if it is safe/a  good
> idea/sanitary/immoral to leave an alternator disconnected  while
> testing an engine or if it should be shorted out to prevent
> lightening  bolts from zapping every living creature in the  area.
>
>
>
>
> Jim,
> I've run probably a hundred Corvair engines with the alternator not hooked
up
>  and haven't yet blown one out or caused any electrical arcs.  Let's not
> create problems where there are none.
>
> Ed Corson  (CORSA member)
> Inland Empire Corvair  Club