Can you run a 4.3L mercruiser without the alternator hooked up.

[POINTER94]

Buddy promised his church group to take some kids tubing tonight and he blew the alternator this morning. It is a 4.3L (1989) mercruiser. He parks his boat in the back yard slip and he could then replace it this weekend but he needs to use it tonight. It is a small lake he lives on so if he gets stranded it isn't a hazzard but a let down for the kids. If it starts and he runs no electronics will he be able to run for several hours?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Can you run a 4.3L mercruiser without the alternator hooked up.

Buddy promised his church group to take some kids tubing tonight

Not a chance in the world that I would take that responsibility - not with a group of kids - and I note he wants to do it at night. What about lights, etc?

 

[flargin]

Re: Can you run a 4.3L mercruiser without the alternator hooked up.

technically it will work, the boat will not be charging. However I agree, with tubing you will be stoping and starting the boat to get the boys in, and after a few cycles there will not be enough power to get the boat going.

I would be afraid he would sense the battery going down and decide not to stop the motor as the kids come and go... and then you have a real risk.

the boys will be disappointed, but reschedule for a couple of days... they will still be happy!

the power drain is mostly from the starting of the boat.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Can you run a 4.3L mercruiser without the alternator hooked up.

Daylight hours only. Gets dark around 8 in these parts.

 

[MRS]

Re: Can you run a 4.3L mercruiser without the alternator hooked up.

Why not pick one up today takes 15 minutes to change max.

 

[grahamh]

Re: Can you run a 4.3L mercruiser without the alternator hooked up.

Short answer, yes, but not for very long.

 

[janpetemar]

Re: Can you run a 4.3L mercruiser without the alternator hooked up.

Short answer, yes, but not for very long.

Had the same problem once. With all electronics off and running two banked batteries using one at a time, I was able to travel for about one hour and dock. While tie down, she quit. I would not take this chance as it is a crucial safety issue...........