On Mon, 2 Dec 2002, Robert Keezer wrote:

> I have had two Vanagons where the alternator did'nt charge until the
> engine was revved once above 1400 or more rpm. So, if they were started
> without revving, they were running off the battery.

My diesel is that way.  I've never noticed it in any other car, but I kind
of suspect that's because my gas cars all have a high idle when cold.  The
diesel only has one idle speed.  Then again, my alternator is also full of
oil thanks to the PO, so that may have something to do with it. ;)
Charges fine once it's been revved once, though.  I think there just isn't
enough power to energize the field coil below a certain speed -- until
that happens it's working on residual magnetism and the output is really
low.

             _ _
  __ _ _   _| | |  | David M. Brodbeck (N8SRE)              Ypsilanti, MI
 / _` | | | | | |  +-----------------------------------------------------
| (_| | |_| | | | @ cyberspace.org
 \__, |\__,_|_|_| "BSD is for people who like UNIX.  Linux is for people
 |___/             who hate Microsoft." -- Brendan Howes