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Old 10-05-2014, 09:41 PM   #6 (permalink)
Chrysler kid
5 pin sensor
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5 View Post
I've never noticed a fluctuation in voltage; it's always remained at 14.4v from what I recall. I wonder if running a 20% underdrive on the alt has affected the output behavior?

It seems the car already does it's best to reduce fuel consumption if it has the ELD, and even goes into high output mode when decelerating (according the the forum linked above).

Although I read a lot on how to bypass the ELD to run in high output mode, I'm still not any closer to figuring out how to disable the alternator. I figured I could put some massive switch in between the main output wire of the alternator. Any reason why I couldn't just disconnect the output?

I'm quickly loosing steam on this project since there doesn't seem to be a clear way to disable the alternator, and it's already efficient in the first place because of the ELD.
I haven't read to much into the subject but the best solution would be to create an alternator clutch pulley similar to the ac compressor clutch. Since I believe you can remove the alternator pulley you could try to put the compressor clutch style pulley on an alternator. The alternator doesn't have a clutch to determine pulley resistance to belt movement it just regulates current to the battery being produced ... I think

Not sure the dimensions of a compressor clutch but if you could control it with a switch and monitor battery voltage you would see a noticeable gain in mileage during daytime highway driving. You would be going to zero resistance from the alternator

Just a brain storming idea, I would be interested in something simple like that. Because the alternator is mainly a mechanical device there really isn't a feasable way to prevent it from turning mechanical energy into electrical enegergy
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Last edited by Chrysler kid; 10-05-2014 at 09:48 PM..
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