Quote:
Originally Posted by flying kurmaster
is there any chance that I can damage my altenator by switching while engine is running.
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Sometimes, I switch the alt on/off while driving at night, when the headlights pull enough power that I feel better if I run the alt a little for any significant driving. I'll keep the alt off as I accelerate and when I reach something close to cruise speed I'll turn it on. Then off again when I cut engine at coasting speed. I keep the alt off until I decide to boost voltage again on a later acceleration pulse. I use this kind of strategy especially when I know I am about to climb steep hills.
No problems have occurred with my alternator and my only vehicle problems have been strictly with mechanical parts like bearings, no electronics per se.
The switch is also nice because I can choose to just turn the alt on at night and not bother with monitoring voltage.
I hope that helps... your experience may vary, of course, so consider your vehicle and choose your strategy...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee
Keep in mind that auto generated electricity is about 5x more cost than wall-outlet electricity.
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Agreed.