" > wrote in message
...
> If the alternator works, you should be able to start the car,
> disconnect one of the battery cables, and the engine will continue to
> run. If the engine dies when you pull off the battery cable, then you
> know that the alternator is defective. Don't reconnect the battery
> cable when the engine is running. Just turn it off and then
> re-connect.

My training was to never run an alternator car without a battery and not to
do this battery disconnect test. This is the first time I have heard the
caution not to reconnect a running alternator. Please comment or supply
further information.

TIA