I don't believe that any damage will occur since the armature is an open
circuit without the load connected.
Just for reference when checking out a generator I do two tests. The first
is to disconnect both the field (small connector) and the armature (large
connector) and turn it at about 1-2K RPM. You should measure a few volts
output. This tells you that the armature is most likely OK since it is
producing current as it passes through the residual magnetism in the field
magnet.
The next test is to connect the field and the armature together and again
spin it up to about 1K RPM. However be very careful with this test that you
do not rev it over about 2K RPM since the voltage output will be
proportional to the RPM (assuming the field winding is not broken). You
should read about 12-15 Volts at low RPM and you could read 30-40 Volts at
higher RPM, but don't take it this high since you can burn it up. For this
test the field windings are the load for the armature output. These tests
run with the output disconnected and I have never damaged a generator as
long as the RPMs are held down for the second part of this test.
If the generator passes both of these tests, then it is good. If you still
have a problem with charging output you should now look at the connections,
wires, and/or voltage regulator.
I have also forgotten to connect the leads up to the generator after
installation (a senior moment)and have seen no damage to the generator from
this. This is with both leads disconnected, however I do not think any
damage should result if only the armature lead is connected.
Phil
-----Original Message-----
From: MHKitchen@aol.com [mailto:MHKitchen@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 11:07 AM
To: vinttr4@geneseo.net; vintage-race@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: generator / alternator question
ONe wire alternator....no damage if operated without being connected.
Generator....possible damage if only the field coils are energized as the
current might get too high and burn out the coils.
Myles
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