Losing power steering - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

DKaz · 12-25-2011, 11:05 PM

I tried EOC in my 2007 Mazda 5 and when I turn the engine back on, the power steering is out. I chose this particular stretch of road because it was flat and as soon as I slowed down to about 10km/h I got my power steering back. I've owned quite a few cars without power steering before but it seems that with power steering accessories in place, steering is quite heavy even when the car is moving.

I EOC'ed in my 91 Celica a few times and the car would just continue as usual, power steering and all. How do Ecomodders deal with this? Should I just stick with NICE/DFCO? I use both of these depending on the situation.

Also, what's the proper way of getting out of EOC? In my 91 Celica since it was old and I didn't care if I ruined the engine, I would just clutch in, put car in gear, turn the key On, then let go of clutch and engine would go again. My Mazda 5 is manual as well, but I'm afraid this method is hard on the synchros, transmission, and engine since I can't revmatch, so I just use the Starter.

d0sitmatr · 12-26-2011, 09:52 AM

are you talking about the mazda 5 or the mx5 miata ?

either way, when you bump start it at 10mph, put it in either 3rd or 4th, a ton less strain on everything related. Id say 5th but the rpm is simply too low at that speed and could actually cause damage. even 4th is pushing it, but once the car is running you could put it in any gear you like (except 1st, of course)

in my mazda pro5, Im going to be pulling the PS pretty soon, at first, when I EOC, it was really hard to steer, but now its much easier so Im pretty sure its just something you need to get accustomed to.
my PS also comes on whenever I turn the car on, regardless of the speed, it sounds like you might have an air pocket in your PS lines ?

deathtrain · 12-26-2011, 12:12 PM

i use 5th to just bump start the engine and once the engine is up to speed I let back off the clutch....

ConnClark · 12-26-2011, 01:55 PM

Why don't you abandon engine off coasting? You have a serious safety issue.

usergone · 12-26-2011, 04:54 PM

A lot less wear comes from bump starting the car (done properly) than from starting from a stop. As others have said, clutch in, 3rd or 4th, clutch out (completely) and clutch back in. The power required to do that is much much less than the power required to start the car rolling.

If you're worried about the synchros, take it easy when putting it back in gear (not jamming the shifter)

The engine and transmission aren't worn any more than normal driving as long as you aren't beating on them. Do you ever engine brake? As far as the engine mounts and transmission are concerned, that's the same thing.

Usually when I EOC, I "boot up" or turn the key back on as soon as the engine has stopped. That way I'll be able to restart just a tad quicker without having to key on while bump starting.

As far as the power steering issue, doesn't the 07 model have electric power steering? If not, the p/s would come back as soon as the engine was running again. You might be able to solve this problem by using an engine kill switch instead of keying off. A kill switch shuts off the fuel injectors (by cutting the power feed) while actually turning off the key would deactivate the power steering pump motor. If a kill switch turns out to allow the power steering pump to continue operating with the engine off, you have just overcome one of the biggest "safety problems" so belabored by these armchair engineers who apparently can't use their arms properly.

As far as not having power steering assist, I had a jeep pickup with p/s and I took off the belt to the pump and just drove it without assist. In a newer car that has "sporty" steering, the effort required may simply be too high for your driving comfort.

Just my thoughts.

DKaz · 12-27-2011, 12:32 PM

Thanks all. I just wanted a general consensus that it was not recommended. I have electric power steering. Perhaps the fuel injector kill switch is something worth looking at, if it's not too difficult. Taking out power steering is something I'd personally entertain but my wife would have my head on a platter. lol.

And this is a Mazda 5 not MX-5, six seats not two.

JRMichler · 12-28-2011, 09:54 PM

I tried ignition key off to EOC a few times just to convince myself that this technique would help my MPG. Then I stopped using EOC until I installed a fuel injector kill switch.

Weather Spotter · 12-29-2011, 05:44 PM

I did the kill switch mod and it significant bumped up my MPG, I even changed routs to work to limit myself to 3 miles max without a turn or stop to maximize my EOC time

slurp812 · 12-29-2011, 11:08 PM

When I EOC, I bump it in 5th. at slow speeds, it turns the motor slowly, kinda like the starter...

FXSTi · 12-30-2011, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecheese429

A lot less wear comes from bump starting the car (done properly) than from starting from a stop. As others have said, clutch in, 3rd or 4th, clutch out (completely) and clutch back in. The power required to do that is much much less than the power required to start the car rolling.
.

I bolded part of your statement. I only let the clutch out a tiny bit, for just a fraction of a second and push it right back in. Even if I am starting in fifth at a speed I will continue in that gear, I push it back in. The engine spins up on its own before I re-engage to begin another pulse. It is way less jerky this way.

Kirk