At 04:22 PM 5/26/2010, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
>Is the heated rear window switched out too  - I'm sure it is.

Yup.

>but, I hate to see those left on, since the alternator is hit with a high
>load as soon as the engine is running ... , besides putting some back in the
>battery after starting ...there's that immediate high load from the heated
>back window in addition.

The rear window defroster draws less than a pair of headlights --
it's not so bad really.  But if it's consuming 100 watts that's a bit
more than an eighth of a horsepower.  It all counts.

The alternator will be happiest about putting out lots of juice when
it's nice and cool right after start.  Ya wanna make your alternator
happy, duct some cold air to the vents opposite the fan.  Also make
sure it's the right fan (for right-hand rotation like our standard
vans, the little blades of the fan should slope toward the inside
from left to right.  Some alternators come with an "either way" fan
which has straight radial blades.  Compromise.

Yours,
David