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Trickle Chargers - Alternator damage??

Rederz

Rederz

New member
At a recent PCGB meeting I was chatting to a member about my recent C-tek battery charger purchase and mentioned I now have this on a trickle charge on my 996. He informed me he didn't think this was a good idea as this could cause damage to the Alternator - has anybody experience of this? - any comment would be useful, I certainly don't want to damage my alternator , but I don't want a flat battery either!
Rederz - region3
 
I don't know what that member could be thinking, but bear in mind that Porsche sell a re-badged Ctek conditioner for this very purpose.
 
Hi I am using CTEK chargers on my turbo and RS plus all my other cars no problems what so ever suggest you speak to Porsche direct about your concerns I feel sure they will give you answer. Terry
 
Erm.......

Utter tosh - Ctek and others are superb at what they do, with no alternator damage.

Curious how anybody would contour up a scenario where having one's car on a battery conditioner would affect the alternator?

Was it a 993 owner?..........[:)]
 
It's like Chinese whispers. I have never heard of this before and I used to be an auto electrican. Only people to ask is porsche and the makers of these chargers
 
In defence of the person who made the original statement, back in the 70's before the Ctek and other similar devices, it was commonly thought that you had to disconnect one terminal of the battery otherwise a trickle charger would blow diodes in the alternator if you didn't do that. I am no electronics person but I am just repeating what was commonly circulating then (It was over 40 years ago)!
 
It does mention in the manual that disconnect before charging. I have no choice as I have no power in my garage. The Ctek seems to be an intelligent charger and would assume any power surge is protected.
 
I've used a battery conditioner on both my 968's, for about 15 years now, quite often connected for extended periods while I was working away or, now I have the cabriolet, over winter. Never had any problem with the alternator on either car.
 
Thanks for all the comments fellas - I am suitably reassured, looks like I'll be absolutely fine using the ctek on a trickle.
I have since had a reply from the Ctek help desk now and stating that using the charger (on a trickle) will not cause any problems to the Alternator.
I think we can safely put this one to bed. Once again thanks for all the advice.
Redrz
 
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