Re: Jump Starting

[stans4@ibm.net (Stan Schaefer)]

Sure, you can do this, there's no problem with generator vs.
alternator per se.  I've started my Ford V8 using the VW, no problem.
The deal is with fuel injection, the Bentley manual says no
jump-starting.  I think the problem is that the control unit has no
internal voltage regulation as we know it.  Monolithic voltage
regulator ICs were unknown when it was designed, so it relies on the
battery to maintain the designed voltage range.  I suppose that a
revved-up larger vehicle could overwhelm the battery's resistance on a
jump-start and cook the FI controller, hence the warning.  The way I
do it(when I do it), is to disconnect the battery and use the other
vehicle to charge the VW's battery for 15-20 mins., then disconnect
the other vehicle and try to start the VW.  Hasn't failed yet.  Same
thing with trying to jump from the VW to another vehicle.  Use the VW
to charge the other's battery, then disconnect and try to start the
other car.  I have a set of jumper cables with warning lights built-in
for proper polarity, really handy on middle-of-the-night emergencies.
If the other vehicle's battery can't maintain a charge, use the VW to
go get another battery, rather than using its limited current capacity
to try to start the larger vehicle and possibly cooking something
expensive.  Just my opinion.

On Wed, 06 May 1998 15:33:00 EDT, you wrote:

>	Using a set of jumper cables, is it safe to jump start a vehicle
>that has an alternator with a vehicle that has a generator & visa-versa?
>TIA.
>Tom
>'68 FB(Thumper)
>'70 Bug
>
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