Consequences of running without the alternator

[Moosh]

Hey guys. I did my first timing belt job last Friday. I wanted to make sure the timing was correct before putting the covers and belts and stuff back on so I tried starting the car without that stuff. I just wanted to ask if there are any negative consequences for doing such a thing. Would the battery run out immediately? What else could happen? I wouldn't do it again, but the good news is my timing was dead on I think.

 

[philipkrotch]

it will hurt nothing. i drove 35 miles with a dead alternator..started at 11.5 volts and by the time i got home i was running on about 8. i had no lights.. for the time u had your car running w/ out it, it wouldnt do a thing.

 

[SpeedFreak03]

Well your alternator belt runs your water pump, so there is a chance it could overheat if you run it for a while. But if its just for a minute or two, the t-stat probably wouldn't open up anyway so I'd say your okay. Just make sure its not too hot.

 

[Moosh]

Thanks a lot for the info guys! I am getting the battery recharged because it was running weak from before I did that, then hopefully I'll be good