Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Running alternator as a motor for redundant starter motor and EOC

saand · 11-12-2010, 08:48 AM

Hi All,
I have been toying with the idea of turning my engine off when im at lights or in neutral however i don't want to risk the car not restarting.
Ideally id like a 2nd starter motor. The alternator is already connected up so i am wondering if the alternator can be driven as a motor so that i can restart my car using the alternator.
If i have a 2nd battery it will give me a redundant car starting system and the alternator wont wear through the brushless like the starter motor.

I am wondering if anyone has ever tried to run their alternator as a motor.

I understand i will need to make 3 phase at high current and sense the alternator speed so i can sink the 3 phase to the alternator position.
I am interested to know if anyone has done this or knows if the alternator has enough torque run under 12v at all RPMs to spin up the belt and therefore kick over the engine.

11-12-2010, 08:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
saand Wiki Writer Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 236 bugler - '91 Mazda 626 90 day: 35.89 mpg (US) Thanks: 15 Thanked 25 Times in 22 Posts	Running alternator as a motor for redundant starter motor and EOC Hi All, I have been toying with the idea of turning my engine off when im at lights or in neutral however i don't want to risk the car not restarting. Ideally id like a 2nd starter motor. The alternator is already connected up so i am wondering if the alternator can be driven as a motor so that i can restart my car using the alternator. If i have a 2nd battery it will give me a redundant car starting system and the alternator wont wear through the brushless like the starter motor. I am wondering if anyone has ever tried to run their alternator as a motor. I understand i will need to make 3 phase at high current and sense the alternator speed so i can sink the 3 phase to the alternator position. I am interested to know if anyone has done this or knows if the alternator has enough torque run under 12v at all RPMs to spin up the belt and therefore kick over the engine.