Quote:
Originally Posted by Bearleener
My engine has an idle switch built into the butterfly valve assembly which the ECU uses to know when it needs to do its idle stabilizing thing. You could tap into that wire to know when you're coasting.
My alternator (Valeo, 90 A) unfortunately has internal field wires; the only skinny wire running out of it is the blue one going to the alternator indicator light in the dash. AndrewJ and psmithrt, are you sure that disconnecting this wire will turn off the alternator?
I'm a bit scared when using this technique that voltage peaks might fry the electronics.
Here's a good "Alternators 101" tutorial: http://www.autoshop101.com/trainmodu...or/alt102.html
More alternator circuitry: http://www.alternatorparts.com/under...lternators.htm
There should probably be a short delay after reaching idle before you re-engage the alternator so you don't get a little voltage blip every time you change gears. |
No I am not sure about that wire. Infact my alternator is also all internal. From what I've read there are two excitation routes. You're second link confirmed that. Also I have'nt even pulled the 100 amp fuse on mine to confirm that my ECU will tolerate 12.? volts. Though I did see clearly where the main wire goes through the fuse box. I will pull fuse and check that first and then possibly think about using a relay at that point. Of course on the in side.
My plan still and always was to just interupt during load and acceleration. Mainly because I can use the same load sensing switch as I plan to use for a/c anyways. That and I really don't want or have the room for a true deep cycle battery which is the only way I would attempt cutting the alternator for longer periods. From what I've read, standard starting batteries due not like going much below 80% dod repeatedly and I just invested in a Optima red top 8 mos ago. I really needed the CCA's in central NY. If I were to go the other way Trojan has a 12v deep cycle that sounds up to the task of repeated 50% DOD. It seems to have at least enough CCA's for starting in most climates and I'm betting it is built more like a traction battery than any wanna be marine style.
Thanks for the alternator links:: PS, My homemade PCV condensor seems to be catching quite a bit of crap 1-2 Tablespoons in just 400 mi. almost as much as I've seen pictures of at 1-2k mi for the simpler compressor water seperator types. COOL
http://www.himacresearch.com/books/hydro8.html