Survey: type 44 break down frequency : Push start

[Bernard Littau]

> ... what I have forgotten:
>
> *If* you have a CIS system (with electrical fool pump) *and* your
> fuel pressure accumulator is up to spec *and* your injectors are
> not dripping, *then* it might be possible to push-start the beast
> with less volts than the pump needs to turn over... My engine used
> to run about 15 seconds without fuel pump on "accumulator-only"
> before dying, this time should suffice to push-start and let the
> alternator fire up.

Do not forget that you also need spark.  You need enough energy to fire the
coil, and also therefore to power the ECU and all the sensors.

On the old generator equipped cars, you could always push start them because
the generator would put out power when it was spun.  On an alternator
equipped car (which all USA cars since about the early 1960's are) you need
enough power to excite the field.  Just spinning an alternator will not
cause it to put out power.  You need to put a little power in, in order to
get power out.

A 9V battery on the lighter plug might be enough to excite the alternator,
which would then power the ECU and coil.  I'll have to figure out a way to
test this and see if a 9V battery through the lighter plug will do it.

Best,

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5ktq