Alternator mounting problems

Will my alternator charge spinning in either direction? I would like to mount it below the crank center with the ass end pointed to the front. Crazy maybe, but really convienent if it will work.
Perry

I don't think it will charge running backwards,but I could be wrong

I will charge OK but the fan will be turning the wrong way.

Bill

Yes, they don't care what direction they spin, if it's on a drag car and you don't care about the cooling, mount it backwards. Might not make that much difference anyways, as it should suck air thru instead of pushing it - not sure on that.

Yep - alternators produce AC current, which is converted to DC by diodes. It will work in either direction with no difference other than the fan. If spinning backwards, the way the fans are made, I guess would not move air as efficiently.

Thanks guys! I thought it would be OK but thought I'd check. Won't be running more than a few minutes at a time, so I dont think cooling should be a problem.
Perry

Seen it done many times in a drag application..................go for it.

Learn something new everday. Not much on E/I.

I asked this question last year around town and maybe on the old site never got the positive answer you have so i went to Oreillys and guess what their test bench spins them backwards so yes they charge both directions.