Engine off, lights on... - Page 3 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

bestclimb · 01-06-2011, 11:50 PM

I EOC with the lights on very frequently (short days up here). I do not have a volt meter and have not had any problems. Bump start above 5mph and key when stopped. I no longer worry about the lights turning off while starting I just let everyone assume I stalled.

Jim-Bob · 01-07-2011, 04:10 AM

I use my Metro for pizza delivery in a suburban environment between 5pm and midnight and EOC all night long with no issues ( probably 20-30 EOCs in a typical evening). The Metro DOES have manual steering so it isn't affected but the power brakes have maybe 2 applies before I lose all assist. What I am considering is using a vacuum reserve canister that is sold by companies such as Summit, Moroso or Competition Cams for use in street/strip cars with big cams and low idle vacuum. I figure it should give me another 2 or 3 applications of the brakes.

As for starting, I let out the clutch if the car is still rolling or use the key if it is not. I turn the key off then on and hold down the clutch with the engine in the right gear at all times. This way any time I need the engine it is a lift of the foot away from running. I usually do NOT do it in heavy traffic though as I feel the risks are not worth it. I will also add that I have driven this delivery area for several years now and intimately know how all of the traffic lights function. I rarely ever use this technique in an area I do not drive in regularly since it requires a high level of concentration that might otherwise be needed for navigation. I also don't do it with passengers in the car. It is a risky technique if done wrong so proceed with caution when using it.

kamesama980 · 01-07-2011, 11:31 PM

I'd worry more about steering than brakes. usually you have more time to start the engine when brakes are needed (if clutch starting) because you boot the pedal with reserve vacuum then let out the clutch to start the engine and add more. power steering you need to plan ahead and not re-start mid-maneuver or the sudden assist can make bad things happen. I've tried it in the cressida: not my favorite feeling.

I loved my old S10 for EOC because it had neither power steering or power brakes (from the factory!) and only 8.5:1 compression tops. plus how the clutch was aligned as far as weight, pedal position, throw, and engagement point was perfect.

As far as lights on or off...like everyone else says: try it out and see how it is.

bluejoey · 01-13-2011, 08:32 AM

I can do it with my 1995 Tercel, and sometimes do. However, the lights do dim a bit with the engine off in comparison to with the engine on. I'm thinking of ending EOC entirely simply due to the extra wear it puts on the starter, and so I don't have to deal with my UG occasionally not turning back on when I cut and restart the engine too quickly.

bdesj · 01-13-2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluejoey

I'm thinking of ending EOC entirely simply due to the extra wear it puts on the starter, and so I don't have to deal with my UG occasionally not turning back on when I cut and restart the engine too quickly.

I`m finding that when and where I`ll be able to bump start plays a part in when I EOC (or when I light the engine again).

I have an odd electrical issue with key starts, too- about one in three times that I key start, I lose my radio station. It happens whether I`m starting from being parked or just from waiting on a red light, and it`s a bummer because my radio doesen`t hold presets, and the frequency display no longer reads, so I sometimes I can`t find my station again before the next time I lose the radio! Maybe I should check the junk yards for one of the old style with a dial that doesn`t care if it loses power. What`s a UG? Is there a non-digital, non solid state version?

bluejoey · 01-14-2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdesj

I`m finding that when and where I`ll be able to bump start plays a part in when I EOC (or when I light the engine again).

I have an odd electrical issue with key starts, too- about one in three times that I key start, I lose my radio station. It happens whether I`m starting from being parked or just from waiting on a red light, and it`s a bummer because my radio doesen`t hold presets, and the frequency display no longer reads, so I sometimes I can`t find my station again before the next time I lose the radio! Maybe I should check the junk yards for one of the old style with a dial that doesn`t care if it loses power. What`s a UG? Is there a non-digital, non solid state version?

UG = Ultragauge. It's like a Scangauge in terms of helping me monitor my economy. If I key off and then key on within 10 or 20 seconds, it will turn off but will not always turn back on, which means it isn't measuring my fuel consumption. So for that reason and others, I'm just going to P & G with the engine on and try to refine my driving skills without EOC.