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| | | | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,028 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,028 | How can I test my generator for output. I tried to do it with the engine running and using a simple tester but I blew the fuse in the tester.
Which terminal should I test from? and what is a good reading for a 6 volt gen? Is there a specific minimum rpm to test at?
I had my old one tested. This one is new and doesn't seem to charge the battery. But will run the truck as a high rpm even without the battery connected.
I think my battery is done. Had it load tested a few months ago and it was fine.
Rich
Thanks
Rich | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,742 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,742 | Running a generator without the battery connected is not a good idea - - - - -the battery acts a a sort of "shock absorber" and dampens out high voltage spikes. If the engine will run with the battery disconnected, the generator has at least some output, however. Against a fully-charged battery, a 6 Volt generator should be regulated at approximately 7.5 volts. A 12 volt unit should reach about 14.5 volts before the regulator kicks in. When it's charging a low battery, the generator won't reach those maximums because the battery will accept a charge at a lower voltage. Measuring the voltage at the battery posts is as good a way as any to check for generator output. If the engine-running battery terminal voltage is at, or below the terminal voltage with the engine stopped, and does not rise when the engine is at fast idle, the generator, regulator, or both are likely to have problems.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,028 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,028 | Jerry,
I did not polarize the generator when I installed it. Do I just touch a jumper from the Batt terminal to the arm terminal.
Is that with the ignition on or off...enginer running or not?
Thanks
Rich
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,742 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,742 | Either way works- - - -I prefer to do it before I start up to minimize any possibility of creating unwanted voltage spikes in the rest of the system. Once it's polarized, grounding the field wire either at the generator or the regulator should put it into full output as long as the ground is connected. It basically bypasses the voltage regulator.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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