Learned something about weak car battery

[robert graham]

We dragged the boat to florida last week with my Roadmaster/350V8, battery was acting sorta weak, but maybe O.K. for trip? I noticed the engine missing some on the I-95 on the way down. Long story short, when we got down there the battery was dead and I replaced it, and motor runs fine again with no missing! I did not know a weak battery would make a motor skip like that! Live and learn!

 

[beason]

Re: Learned something about weak car battery

under acceleration it could miss if the battery isnt good and the alternator is doing all the work.

I would keep an eye on that alternator though. it may be going out.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Learned something about weak car battery

What do you think creates the spark that ignites the fuel on each combustion cycle? It is electricity! The battery supplies that electricity. the alternator replaces the "juice" sucked from the battery. If the battery is dying it cannot accept a charge from the alternator. If the alternator is not charging, or charing at a rate less than current is being consumed, the net result is not enough electricity to run things and the engine will die. So while a fresh battery may solve the problem initially, if the alternator is bad, the new battery will die as well.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Learned something about weak car battery

Well, from now one when my battery starts whispering to me,"I'm getting ready to die", I'm gonna listen up better. And with the battery going out, it's got to put an extra load on the alternator. Live and learn!...