[Geofly]

So after the first tank, which gave me an idea of where I'm starting from. I was really optimistic for the next tank. So after re-reading the hypermilling tips, I found a better route, that I could be annoying to the average driver on. And no one would be around to complain that I cost them a few seconds when they already wasted 20mins in the drive though getting thier morning coffee. I set out with the car performing as expected. So I was doing EOC and P&G and noticing a significant difference in the rate the fuel gauge was dropping. And my second to last stop sign I forgot to let the clutch out before I stopped rolling. And when I went to start it the battery was nearly dead so. I equated this to all my EOC and having the heater on. So I push started it. (Surprisingly easy!)
On my way home I didn't notice anything odd at first. But then the radio started cutting out. Then I had trouble going up a hill it started running rough. Got to the top of the hill and it wouldn't go fast. So I started down shifting and loosing speed. So I pulled over to investigate. I knew the battery was practically dead because the battery warning light was dim. It had been on since I bought it. The guy I bought it from told me it was because the battery was from a truck. I knew this was unlikely but I didn't take the time to check. So after I determined their wasn't any broken wires and the battery connections were good. I push started it and got rolling about 20mph in third that was all it would do. Got about 10miles like this then it wouldn't go anymore. So I called a friend and got them to bring me a battery. Drove the rest of the way home no problem.

So the next day I pulled the alternator to see if I could repair it. Tried resoldering the brushes but that didn't fix it. Now that I understand alternators better, I think it was probably the rectifier. I found a place in the city that sells refurbished ones for $100. So I picked it up and installed it on Wednesday. I also got new sparkplugs and PCV valve. So here was some idling in the driveway associated with the repairs. I drove it to and from college today and I left late so I took the highway and was averaging around 60mph not really conservative. Btw:the limit iz 68mph. And on the way home it was the same story. So I wasn't expecting good milage. Turned out I got 53mpg, which isn't bad. But still disappointed that I didn't do better.