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Mount Vernon, WA | Topshot - 1/9/2018 09:02
Depends on how long you run the engine after starting. Starting takes a lot of "juice" and it takes a little while to replace it.
Not really. If for example an engine cranks and starts within 3 seconds, and during that time the starter drew 500 amps, then the total energy consumed would be (what I'll call) 1500 amp/seconds. If the average alternator puts out 100 amps, it should be able to replenish that loss within 15 seconds.
Looking at it another way, put an amp clamp around an alternator output wire sometime and watch the alternator output immediately after starting an engine. You'll see the output quickly shoot up to max rating, but only for a few seconds, after which it tapers down quite quickly. | |
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Battery maintainer
