Quote:
Originally Posted by Mxfrank
When the engine shuts down, a powerful reverse current forms in the alternator coils. It dissipates into the battery if everything is in good shape. I think you'll find that there's a weak connection somewhere between the battery and the alternator. If so, the inductive kick would have nowhere to go, and the stator may be toast.
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Coming from someone involved in the power generation industry, that is utter nonsense. This harkens back to the old myth that a generator running unloaded will build up a dangerous discharge of voltage and explode.
A self-excited alternator can run a vehicle without a battery connected with no ill effect provided that the load doesn't exceed its production capacity. I have personally started several cars without batteries using only jumper cables, then disconnecting and insulating the leads to move the vehicle and never had an alternator fail from that.
If the alternator packed up from a loose connection it was due to arcing at the battery lead causing EMF spikes flashing back at the alternator, or it was a POS alternator to begin with. I'd strongly lean towards the latter.