Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:22:19 -0700
Reply-To: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Re: Checking output of alternator.
In-Reply-To: <36CEC0A8-D095-476E-88FA-59BE581E1583@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Measure alternator output at the battery. Charge up battery with charger first then run engine and check voltage at positive battery terminal.
Compare to the voltage at the alternator.
Alistair
> On Jul 15, 2016, at 10:47 AM, Dennis Jowell <dennisjowell@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> Just got back from a test ride. I checked the output of the alternator at idle its 14.1 at the stud positive and grounded on engine frame and stays there at high rpm. Yesterday I installed a new battery, changed it to 13.5 volts, drove 75 miles, new battery is now at 11.9-12.3. Engine is at running temp. I have no idea where to go now. I thought the 5 years old battery was DOD so,I changed it. All cables and wire are tight on battery and alternator. All have dielectric on them.
> Help! Any thoughts where or what I should look at?
>
> Dennis Jowell
> Scotch Hollow Farm
> Newbury, Vermont
>
>
>> On Jul 14, 2016, at 12:40 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> You need a high end tester/charger for this. Parts stores and Sears repair
>> shops will test it for free. Should have a minimum 75% output with
>> headlights lights and heater fan on. Alternatively, you can measure the
>> voltage at the alternator under this load. Ideal output should be 14.2
>> volts, but 14 is typical. If 13.2 or less I consider it junk.
>>
>> I've replaced two recently that tested 25% with Bosch rebuilds from my local
>> supplier (who could also switch the pulley for me), one of which tested at
>> 50% when installed. They replaced it. It's just the poor QC of rebuilds, so
>> test your "new" alternator too.
>>
>> Stuart
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
>> Dennis Jowell
>> Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2016 9:11 AM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Checking output of alternator.
>>
>> After driving my Westy to Middlebury, Vermont area decided to visit a
>> historical site in town. Westy started slow but it started back to the farm.
>> Stopped at another state park and had some lunch. Westy now won't start!!
>> Ugh! I used the aux battery to get it going and got home. Main battery is
>> new. I suspect the alternator is NG. Once again trying to understand the
>> Bentley test procedures on Pg. 27.18. What is " connect alternator/regulator
>> tester" ?? All I have is my digital ohm meter. Is that what they are saying
>> ?
>>
>> Dennis J
>>
>> Dennis Jowell
>> Scotch Hollow Farm
>> Newbury, Vermont
>>
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