View Single Post
Old 03-21-2008, 09:18 PM   #19 (permalink)
AndrewJ
Awesomeness personified
 
AndrewJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Columbia, MO
Posts: 642

Harold - '94 Honda Civic CX
90 day: 54.51 mpg (US)

Margot - '08 Surly Big Dummy
Thanks: 0
Thanked 28 Times in 18 Posts
Send a message via AIM to AndrewJ
Quote:
Originally Posted by bennelson View Post
Simple question - how does one do that?

When I took the Metro engine out, it looks like it's just one big power cable that goes from the battery to the alternator.

Are we talking about disconnecting that cable, or something internal to the alternator?

If I just wanted to test the effect of the alternator on fuel economy, could I just disconnect that big alternator cable?
you're alternator should have some smaller wires plugged into it somewhere. Those wires comprise the field circuit. The field circuit is what "powers up" the alternator. If you break the field circuit, you turn the alternator off. When you complete the circuit, the alternator resumes its normal functioning.
__________________
"I got 350 heads on a 305 engine. I get 10 miles to the gallon. I ain't got no good intentions." - The Drive By Truckers.

  Reply With Quote