Posted by Dave Jensen on Sunday, January 18, 2004 at 5:55AM :
In Reply to: Re: Generator question - Please help posted by Brett Wilsey on Sunday, January 18, 2004 at 1:53AM :
I've never done it this way, but here's what it says in the manual for my Plymouth car (and I quote):
A quick check to determine whether a generator or a regulator is causing lack of output is to run the engine at a rate which would give the car a speed of approximately 30 mph in high gear on the road, and then ground the generator field terminal.
...if we ground the field terminal...stamped with an F on the frame of the machine, we have in effect completed the connection of the field directly across the armature. Accordingly we should get the maximum charging rate of which the generator is capable.
unquote.
It goes on to suggest to look for slipping belt, over-oiling of the generator, and worn brushes if it fails to "put out"
"If grounding the field terminal causes the generator to charge, the generator regulator and its wiring should be tested in a manner outlined in chapter six..." Chapter six is kind of involved. Peak charging (regulated) is supposed to be 14.2 to 14.6 volts DC on a 12V system/ 30 to 40 amps.