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Old 12-06-2017, 12:27 AM   #364 (permalink)
redpoint5
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The alternator delete or switch and deep cycle battery is a good idea. Replacing lights with LEDs will allow a smaller battery, or longer run times.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ni87 View Post
wouldn't a smaller 40 amp alternator do the trick by Increasing mpgs and maintaining drivability?
No, alternators are sized according the vehicles electrical needs. While a 40 amp alternator might be sufficient most of the time, it is likely to be insufficient in certain instances when the lights are on high, the windshield wipers are going, the blower motor is blowing, etc. The extra stress is likely to cause premature failure, and any MPG gains would be minuscule. An alternator attempts to deliver the electrical energy that is being consumed regardless of size, and it robs the engine of the power necessary to deliver that energy.

BTW, 1 horsepower is 746 watts. Since there are losses converting mechanical energy from the engine to electrical in the alternator, more power is sapped from the engine than is generated by the alternator.
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