« Reply #1 on: January 17, 2012, 04:09:37 PM »
A conceptional difference between an alternator and a generator is that an alternator requires some initial current through the windings to generate a small enough magnetic field to start inducing current. A generator would have permaneant magnetism and not require a startup current to work, but it would weigh considerably more than the equivalent alternator. That initial current is accomplished in most cars by putting the alternator idiot light in series with the windings.
In other words your alternator may no longer work if you do not have an alternator light bulb or equivalent resistor in that wire. You might get away with the permeneant magnetism that develops as an alternator is used, but you might not.
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Topic: custom gauge cluster (Read 3925 times)