gti

[nibot]

The car problem turned out to be what it sounded like—a broken belt. Fortunately, not an important one! Just a frayed belt to the alternator (generator. why does everyone call it an alternator?). Should be easy to replace. Happy 05/05/05 !

Comments

[sfllaw.livejournal.com]

Because it's a dynamo that generates alternating current.

[xtat.livejournal.com]

I guess it depends on if you plan on driving at night or not :> Mine broke on the way back from philly around midnight, and this coupled with a weak battery made for a short trip.

I definitely asked myself the same question about alternator/generator when mine broke. Alternator sounds so 1955. I think AC generator would make much more sense than alternator.

[nibot.livejournal.com]

Hm—are you referring to the increased load due to the headlights? I think automotive headlights are about 100 watts—any idea what ignition (sparkplugs) require?

[xtat.livejournal.com]

Yep! I guess my battery was pretty weak. My headlights lasted about 15 minutes since I heard it snap. The dash lights were freaking out too IIRC.

I am not sure about power and sparkplugs. I am really quite car-illiterate. Doesn't it also have to turn the engine?

[tjernobyl.livejournal.com]

Shouldn't be much; it needs to arc over, not drive anything. Voltage can be up to 60KV, but it shouldn't need much actual power.

I beleive they use real alternators in aviation-- aviation power is something like 24VAC@400hz.