[TR] Non Triumph alternator question

[Randall]

> The question is, on modern cars do alternators partially 
> work? I would think they work or don't and nothing in between. 
> 

Yes, modern cars can suffer the same ailment.  A bad diode will reduce the
maximum current by about 2/3.  The alternators still work the same, whether
the regulator is outside the case or inside.

However, I have to say I don't have a lot of faith in what AAA says.  I've
had them try to sell me a battery several times when there was nothing wrong
with the one I had (except being discharged).  Of course, batteries are
ALWAYS "on the way out"; they start degrading from the time acid is put in
and degrade a bit more with every cycle.

Costco has a much better deal on batteries (if they carry the one you need).
I don't know what the limit is; but they replaced a 4 year old battery for
me, for $5 (the core charge went up).  Not the battery warranty, but their
"customer satisfaction" guarantee.  (Return the battery to customer service,
not the battery/tire department.)

-- Randall