Quote:
Originally Posted by type-S EF awd
Keep in mind, that the alternator loses efficiency the slower it spins and these pulleys are designed and marketed for those who will have the engine's rpms high.
Just $0.02
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OK, my story isn't about an under-drive pulley as such, but the effect was the same.
I changed from a 3 speed gearbox with a 1:1 top gear to a 4 speed with a 0.68:1 top gear. This dropped lots of RPMs for everything, including the alternator.
Out for a long drive one night (lights on), in the rain (demister and wipers on), all at 60kph PSL in top gear (about 1250 RPM), with some engine on coasting thrown in, I stopped briefly, then couldn't restart the car.
The battery voltage had dropped low enough that it wouldn't crank the engine.
My point is that an under-drive pulley may be useful in some situations, but low speed cruising
(at night, in the rain) isn't one of them.
I probably could have used an over-drive pulley.
