At 12:10 PM 5/5/2010, Todd Brown wrote:
>Installing alternator tonight.  Any thoughts on this, or is it a non-issue?
>Thanks,
>Todd

Sorry, meant to answer earlier.  It's not a huge deal, but fully
charged would be better.  But as long as it has enough to crank the
engine, should be ok.

The issue isn't a new alternator (or a new anything) per se, but
simply the way the automotive voltage regulator works -- it expects
to keep a fully charged battery topped up, but it's not as well
suited to charging up a depleted battery.  So when you install a
battery it's best if it's fully charged.  But it will get there
eventually, regardless.

Yours,
David