imp
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- November 12, 2009
- Messages
- 4,789
- Reaction score
- 787
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 59 Ranchero F250 D'Line
What it does. For once and for ALL: The battery starts the engine! AFTER that, it should do NOTHING, until next time it starts the engine!
Starting the engine draws some energy OUT of the battery, leaving it slightly discharged.
As soon as the engine starts, the alternator's purpose is to PUT BACK into the battery, the energy it lost starting the engine, AS WELL AS providing ALL the energy needed to run the vehicle. Once the alternator has "refilled" the battery, that battery simply sits there waiting for the next time to start the engine. Once running, throw the battery out of there, if you like, it ain't necessary anymore!
Once the engine is running, the alternator delivers all the energy needed by the various systems of the vehicle, SUBJECT TO, the fact that, if engine speed for whatever reason allows the alternator's speed to drop so low that it can no longer fulfill it's obligation, like idling at a traffic light with lots of energy-sopping stuff turned on, headlights, A/C blower on high, etc., under such conditions the BATTERY must make up the difference in energy consumed, and it discharges as that is happening.
Long story short: If engine starts quickly each time, AND alternator is able to provide all/most of the electrical energy needed as the vehicle is used, the battery should experience a good, long life.
Engines which "crank" a long time to start, radios left on for long periods with the engine off, LIGHTS left on with the eng. off., these things affect battery life expectancy. mo.
Starting the engine draws some energy OUT of the battery, leaving it slightly discharged.
As soon as the engine starts, the alternator's purpose is to PUT BACK into the battery, the energy it lost starting the engine, AS WELL AS providing ALL the energy needed to run the vehicle. Once the alternator has "refilled" the battery, that battery simply sits there waiting for the next time to start the engine. Once running, throw the battery out of there, if you like, it ain't necessary anymore!
Once the engine is running, the alternator delivers all the energy needed by the various systems of the vehicle, SUBJECT TO, the fact that, if engine speed for whatever reason allows the alternator's speed to drop so low that it can no longer fulfill it's obligation, like idling at a traffic light with lots of energy-sopping stuff turned on, headlights, A/C blower on high, etc., under such conditions the BATTERY must make up the difference in energy consumed, and it discharges as that is happening.
Long story short: If engine starts quickly each time, AND alternator is able to provide all/most of the electrical energy needed as the vehicle is used, the battery should experience a good, long life.
Engines which "crank" a long time to start, radios left on for long periods with the engine off, LIGHTS left on with the eng. off., these things affect battery life expectancy. mo.
