nibot ([personal profile] nibot) wrote2005-05-05 11:03 am
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gti

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 !
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[identity profile] nibot.livejournal.com 2005-05-05 06:53 pm (UTC)(link)
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?

[identity profile] xtat.livejournal.com 2005-05-06 08:42 am (UTC)(link)
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?

[identity profile] tjernobyl.livejournal.com 2005-05-11 12:48 am (UTC)(link)
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.
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