Running engine with no electrical system
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Running engine with no electrical system
I have a 1997 F250 7.3L Diesel, and recently the alternator failed while I was driving a considerable distance. Since I didn't know it had happened, the electric system proceeded to drain both batteries, and I only started to get suspicious after various instruments started to fail -- first the tach, then the speedometer, etc. Finally I was left with virtually no electrical system power at all. I probably shouldn't have kept driving, but there wasn't a good place to stop. When I finally found a place, I had driven maybe 20 miles with no electrical system.
Was I risking damage to any critical systems by driving without any electrical system? Or could I have saved a hefty towing charge and kept driving all the way home? Just got the truck back from the repair shop, and everything seems fine.
Was I risking damage to any critical systems by driving without any electrical system? Or could I have saved a hefty towing charge and kept driving all the way home? Just got the truck back from the repair shop, and everything seems fine.
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I figured that since there ain't no spark plugs that require an electric spark, the engine could just keep chugging merrily along. But there are probably lots of electronic sensors that would cause the engine to shut down if they shut down?
As for the batteries, does draining them seriously compromise their integrity? The batteries are fairly new (well, less than a year old).
As for the batteries, does draining them seriously compromise their integrity? The batteries are fairly new (well, less than a year old).
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Michigan
I had an Alternator fail on me at 174K mi. I was crossing the Mighty Mackinac bridge in northern MI during the winter and noticed my battery gauge slowly started to drop. Seemed like every half hour or so. Had no choice but to press on as it was around 11:30pm. I almost made it to my destination but fell a half hour short. All the electrial components in the truck started to go one by one. The truck ran for almost two hours on a failing Alternator. Charged the Batteries, replaced the Alternator, and everything has worked fine since. The truck has 253K mi on it now. It was one of those night's like you read about. 20 degree's and snow coming down at a rate of 2'' per hour. Thank God for a cell phone.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Helotes, Texas
Originally Posted by mxzdoo
I had an Alternator fail on me at 174K mi. I was crossing the Mighty Mackinac bridge in northern MI during the winter and noticed my battery gauge slowly started to drop. Seemed like every half hour or so. Had no choice but to press on as it was around 11:30pm. I almost made it to my destination but fell a half hour short. All the electrial components in the truck started to go one by one. The truck ran for almost two hours on a failing Alternator. Charged the Batteries, replaced the Alternator, and everything has worked fine since. The truck has 253K mi on it now. It was one of those night's like you read about. 20 degree's and snow coming down at a rate of 2'' per hour. Thank God for a cell phone.
Max
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Joined: May 2004
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From: China Grove, TX
yeah, the PSD will quit running eventually. i had mine do that went the alternator went. i think the only engine that will run with no power i just read recently was the 94-99? cummins (the 12 valve) cause its not NEARLy as eletrical at all.....when the motor dies in my truck, i'm gonna find a twin turbo'd cummins....but thats a different story.
good luck with your truck Rick
good luck with your truck Rick
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From: Helotes, Texas
Originally Posted by mxzdoo
After owning this truck (97 F-250 ext cab, LB), I can't imagine ever having anything else. I just wish that the price of Diesel fuel would come down to at least $1.70 per gallon. Who's with me??
Max
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The price of fuel ain't never coming down again. That's one of the reasons I bought a diesel truck when I finally broke down and bought a truck. I'm currently getting 21 miles to the gallon on my 97 F250. Mostly highway driving.
The other reason I bought the PSD was I don't want to ever buy another truck. It had 148K miles on it when I got it, and I hope it'll still be running after 400K.
The other reason I bought the PSD was I don't want to ever buy another truck. It had 148K miles on it when I got it, and I hope it'll still be running after 400K.
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From: Helotes, Texas
Rick,
Unfortunately, I have to agree with you on the fuel prices never coming down. I think we're just stuck. Oh well, still better than driving a gasser, I can't imagine getting 10 mpg with a big block (unloaded). I'll keep my truck till she leaves me!
Max
Unfortunately, I have to agree with you on the fuel prices never coming down. I think we're just stuck. Oh well, still better than driving a gasser, I can't imagine getting 10 mpg with a big block (unloaded). I'll keep my truck till she leaves me!
Max