General generator question...

[adam_knox]

I'm sort of stumped in my own ignorance here. On two occasions the Chrysler has quit running on me when the battery is low. I get that the generator doesn't charge when idling, but how come if i leave the car idling until the battery eventually gets really low the car sputters and dies, even if I try to give it more fuel? For some reason I thought old cars could run without the batteries (minus lights and such). Is my generator just not efficient enough, VR stuck at times, or does the coil require more draw than the generator can put out? Just thinking if I need to add another project to the list come spring (which is hopefully right around the corner!).

[Plymouthy Adams]

the car with a generator will run without a battery..BUT your generator has to be generating current, then when the battery level is drained to such a slow point it can no longer support the ignition system..the sputter and die comes in...I would think that your battery is either not up to the job or the output of your generator is questionable..have you had either/both tested..?

[adam_knox]

Thanks for the explanation Tim! I did have both tested. Battery was good, forgot what the generator was putting out, but come spring I'll check it again, see what current its putting out. I put in new brushes two summers ago. Perhaps I need to double check how clean I got the armature and re-flash the generator. Its only done this to me once since I redid the generator, back had the car idling after I had a quick charged the battery enough to get it started. Had it idling for about 25 minutes and clonked out. I hate winter, wish I could be in the garage right now... Thanks again Tim!

[JIPJOBXX]

Do you have a manual throttle? My Dodge has one and I just pull it out till the generator starts to show charging.