[Vwdiesel] HP to Alt

[Roger Brown]

B & R Decker wrote:
> Hi Folks;
> 	Does anyone have any idea how much horsepower it takes to keep a 90
> amp alternator putting out 14 amps? I am trying to do lots of little things
> that I hope in total will make a positive difference in fuel mileage. I have
> been getting over 50 mpg in my 81 Dasher station wagon and I want to push
> that even higher. Today I put a switch in the alternator exciter wire so the
> alternator can idle when driving in the daytime when all the juice I need is
> enough to hold the fuel solenoid on and an occasional use of the brake
> lights and turn signals. When the weather cools in the fall I plan to
> install the hottest thermostat and radiator fan switch from VW.
> 	Any suggestions will be considered

In raw power, 14amps * ~14volts = 196 watts, 746 watts/HP, allowing for some losses, maybe 
1/2 HP or so.

-- 

   Roger