Optimising Alternator Charge

[Joker]

so I do more short runs >5 km and notice electrickal oomph declining on the ol starter

am I better to stick to say 3rd gear round town circa 4k rpm or will it make no difference chopping to 4th in the myth I am saving fuel, aprox 3k RPM

or will it make no difference as Alt is same output after *k prm etc due to regulator and things

edit : some sweet googleing

http://www.alternatorparts.com/understanding_alternators.htm

[spark_38]

A faster method:

1. Start car

2. Check alternator output, on bolt terminal

3. Turn on lights and A/C fan to full

4. Check alternator output

The difference between (2) and (4) should not differ by more than say 0.2-0.3V

Generally the alternator output is typically around 14.4V without lights & A/C on. With the lights and A/C on, it should still be above 13.8V or close to it.

If the output is low <13.6V I would suspect either the alternator, or poor grounding.

Enhance grounding between battery & chassis/engine block. Recheck.

[Joker]

work is 1.2km from my house. I lazy

learning to turn lights off is hard

aint no possible way to recoup starting drain in that time @55kph

[spark_38]

Is there a scenic route you could take?

The oil in the car takes 15mins to reach operating temp (70-85), so short drives don't allow it to warm properly...

[DRFVDR]

Fit battery charger to car and plug it in when u get to work

[Joker]

yea do that aready demo

lol Jase waste gas? no way

and why aint no one said walk yet? but I wont as long as 1 car has gas in it... (avenger gets time to heat up nicely even in a direct route!)

[DRFVDR]

Fit a smaller pulley to the alternator so it spins faster

[Jambun]

Get a scooter

[spark_38]

1.2km!!!

Ride a bike?

[Joker]

 DRFVDR said:

Fit a smaller pulley to the alternator so it spins faster

thats what I want to know is spinning it faster gunna do any good??

(finally a smart reply)

I have a ATV why scooter it?

[DRFVDR]

yup spinning faster will get it to full charge at lower revs, BUT will 1/ shorten the lifespan of the alternator and b/ sap more power outta engine

[Joker]

so my theory still stands

 JoKer said:

better to stick to say 3rd gear round town circa 4k rpm or will it make no difference chopping to 4th in the myth I am saving fuel, aprox 3k RPM

[ODB]

IMO walk!

[Joker]

FU - I do at lunch time when the sun is out

[Guest]

win answer : Get a Mrs. get HER to drive HER car and HER to pay for HER gas.

[Joker]

double fail that will cost even more