Can I borrow a truck and trailer?

BretLuter · **Posted:** Thu Dec 02, 2010 7:13 pm

Todd Breakey wrote:

MikeWhitney wrote:

Probably doesn't need to be said but remember a few things:

- No lights!
- No radio, fan, nothing electrical
- Be sure it's fully charged -- (2+ hours on a good charger)
- If it's in a position to do so, push start the car
- Bring a multimeter or a dash voltage gauge to watch the voltage plummet as you drive home.

Actually I'm curious how much juice it will take to go, what, 10 miles? Post the before and after voltage when you can

Last time I did this, it was in high school on a date driving home from the movies, I remember the lights getting *really* dim by the time I got home. It was a carbed car though, no ECU, so it was probably still running ok on 10 volts.

Will do on all accounts. Question, you're familiar with Miata layouts, where should I put the mulitmeter? I'm interested in seeing how fast it drops also.

It doesn't matter too much where you put it- cigarette lighter would be the easiest place IMHO.

You mainly want to keep an eye on where the voltage sits when you get started and where you are when you get home or close to home.

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Todd Breakey wrote:

MikeWhitney wrote:

Probably doesn't need to be said but remember a few things:

- No lights!
- No radio, fan, nothing electrical
- Be sure it's fully charged -- (2+ hours on a good charger)
- If it's in a position to do so, push start the car
- Bring a multimeter or a dash voltage gauge to watch the voltage plummet as you drive home.

Actually I'm curious how much juice it will take to go, what, 10 miles? Post the before and after voltage when you can

Last time I did this, it was in high school on a date driving home from the movies, I remember the lights getting *really* dim by the time I got home. It was a carbed car though, no ECU, so it was probably still running ok on 10 volts.

Will do on all accounts. Question, you're familiar with Miata layouts, where should I put the mulitmeter? I'm interested in seeing how fast it drops also.

Get one of those 12v lighter plug led voltmeters.

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Thu Dec 02, 2010 9:16 pm

On a fully charged and decent battery, you should have no problem starting it with the starter and getting it home, assuming it is just the alternator not charging (and you don't run anything else). Well, assuming it starts fairly easily, anyway.

Hell, the alternator might have been broke a couple days depending on her driving habits.

--Donnie

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