Michael, A couple of things, the modern alternator contains a controller chip what we old farts know as a voltage regulator. This device controls the amount of voltage and current that the unit needs to produce to serve the electrical needs of the automobile. The controller chip will allow the alternator to produce current up to its designed output limit usually somewhere in the 70 to 100 amp range. Removal of a battery cable whilst the car is running creates what the controller chip sees as an impossible demand on the system and allows the alternator to produce current at its design limit. Think of this as the red-line on a tachometer. This designation serves as a limit not a range in which to operate the engine. With this in mind, you absolutely do not want to run your alternator at its limit. In both cases operating either system at their respective design limits will result in a catastrophic failure. Carol is racing the weekend of the 15th but maybe we can have this discussion beer glass to beer glass in the chat room the following Friday evening. Regards Larry Stansifer Thou art rewarded for thy results not for thine efforts. The Rogue Warrior
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