Generator Regulator Performance Tests

[pflaming]

Page 84 of my Plymouth Service Manual explains how to test the generator and the regulator with the aid of a voltmeter and ammeter. Question: If the dash ammeter shows positive, is that sufficient proof that all is ok? I've got four weeks of road testing in order to get my odds high and make that 3 hour run to the BBQ in the Sky! I've got it all working now, just need to verify and drive.

[ggdad1951]

Page 84 of my Plymouth Service Manual explains how to test the generator and the regulator with the aid of a voltmeter and ammeter. Question: If the dash ammeter shows positive, is that sufficient proof that all is ok? I've got four weeks of road testing in order to get my odds high and make that 3 hour run to the BBQ in the Sky! I've got it all working now, just need to verify and drive.

call me simple minded, that's all I did with FEF and I've been driving and starting hime for near on a year with no issues (that I know of)...

[Young Ed]

Paul if you've been starting and driving over a month without the battery running down I'd say you are working properly. Just for peace of mind if something happened enroute you could probably drive 3 hours during the day if you kept everything else turned off.

[lugnut123]

Get it started and while it's runnin pull a cable off the battery. If it's gennin the moter won't die.  noel in nm

[pflaming]

I polarized the system via the instructions on Page 84 in the Plymouth Service manual. Started up the engine and the amp gauge came ALIVE. What a wonderful sight to see that needle MOVE. It was bouncing off the peg probably because the battery might be a bit low.

 

AND I got my lights working, turn signals and all. My problem was a connection that appeared to be connected but wasn't. The things you have to do to find something like that. But it's done. Now windows and the DMV and I'm on the road. Will update late next week.

[Plymouthy Adams]

the book is you friend...lol

[greg g]

Keep in mind that the regulator's job is to allow the genny to work only hard enough to keep the battery charge maintained.  If your battery is in good condition, and you are only loading it lightly, most driving is starting and then powering the ignition, and blinkers and brake lights when needed, its a pretty light load.  So you amp gauge will show you the flow going back int the battery reflective of what you have take out.  Get a battery hydrometer and check the specific gravity of your batteries electrolite,  That will show you the condition of the battery, and give you an idea of how hard the generator should be working.