Unhooking the alternator is a major NO NO
with the engine running. IT WILL destroy the alternator.
Maybe not the first time you do it, but it WILL
damage the alternator. There are TWO types of
battery disconnect switches specifically because of this.
A generator car can use a simple two terminal switch.
But for alternator equipped cars, there is a four terminal
switch (dpdt) the heavy terminals are for the battery
while the two lightweight terminals disconnect the alternator
wire.
Paul Tegler
ptegler@cablespeed.com
www.teglerizer.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Henry Stike" <stiker2126@yahoo.com>
To: <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 12:43 AM
Subject: Re: Alternator Testing
> a method i use to test to see if an alternator is
> working without a meter and stuff. You can do the
> meter thing but you can still have an alternator that
> puts voltage out but very lil amps if any at all.
> Well back to method i use. Get the car started and
> then unhool the positive battery cable. If she
> continues her running the alternator is good, if not
> then the alternator is messed up. If it is messed up
> it is more then likely the output diodes in the
> alternator thats leaking to ground. and that could
> also explain your dim lighting problem with it charged
> not sure on that one though..
>
> Have Fun with your spitfires I do
> Henry Stike
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