Vanagons, like most all modern vehicles, need electricity to run.  When
the alternator quits, the engine will run off the battery for quite a
while, as long as all the accessories are off, especially the
headlights.  While it takes just a small current to power the ignition
system, the starter is another matter, as you discovered.  It takes a
lot of amperage to start.
Diesels, on the other hand need only enough power to energize the fuel
solenoid, so they can run without an alternator for a very long time.
Same problem with starting though.

Mike Moery, Anchorage, AK
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=='Ol Bessie  '82TD Westy   

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Andrew M Fox
Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2001 2:43 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: can vanagon run w/out alternator?

My question is if the alternator fails on a vanagon can you keep the
engine running assuming you don't need headlights or any other
accesories?
I know that on some cars the EFI uses electricity so if the alternator
goes you have a limited amount of time before there is'nt enough
electricity to to run these critical engine electrical systms.  If you
can't run the engine without proper voltage does anyone know what the
electrical draw is of the vanagon engine, ie how long can you go before
having to get a tow or switch to your alternate battery (if you have
one).  Recently on a long trip my alternator stopped working.  I was
able
to drive but when i stopped for gas and tried to start it again there
was'nt enough juice for the starter.  I used my auxillary battery to
jumpstart the van and was on my way.

Thanks,
Andrew Fox
86 Westy
Ft. Collins CO