Home Gen. and Reg. testing
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hairpin151
- PFC
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- Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:05 am
- Location: Sunny Southwest-AZ
Gen. and Reg. testing
Can anyone here tell me how to test the generator and voltage regulator with common tools and a multimeter?One of mine I think is not working,just need to know how to narrow it down.Thanks.
Test Procedure
If you have a water proof ignition adapter set this is easy. See para 92 TM8030. You do not need the low voltage test set, it is just a 50 pound multimeter.
Bottom line is to test the Generator first. To test any generator you ground the field terminal and then the genny should produce its maximum voltage (In this case over 30 volts). If it doesn't then that is your problem. If it does make 30volts. the regulator is likely at fault.
If you do not have the adapter kit you can still do it but you will have to make up some test leads...I would think some female barrel plug crimpon connectors should work.
Summarizing para 92
1 Remove Generator cable and leave off
2. Install adapter to generator and have the brass connectors hooked up, but do not attach the other end to the Gen-Reg cable
3 Hook positive lead from your volt meter to the armature pin. (If you do not have the adapter the Armature pin is the one aligned with the cannon plug notch)
4 Hook neg lead of voltmeter to a good ground.
5 Hook a test lead between the field terminal and a ground. (the field terminal pin is at 8 olcock if the armature pin is at 12)
6 Run the engine (again generator should not be connected to the regulator)...you should get at leas 30 volts on your voltmeter.
Bottom line is to test the Generator first. To test any generator you ground the field terminal and then the genny should produce its maximum voltage (In this case over 30 volts). If it doesn't then that is your problem. If it does make 30volts. the regulator is likely at fault.
If you do not have the adapter kit you can still do it but you will have to make up some test leads...I would think some female barrel plug crimpon connectors should work.
Summarizing para 92
1 Remove Generator cable and leave off
2. Install adapter to generator and have the brass connectors hooked up, but do not attach the other end to the Gen-Reg cable
3 Hook positive lead from your volt meter to the armature pin. (If you do not have the adapter the Armature pin is the one aligned with the cannon plug notch)
4 Hook neg lead of voltmeter to a good ground.
5 Hook a test lead between the field terminal and a ground. (the field terminal pin is at 8 olcock if the armature pin is at 12)
6 Run the engine (again generator should not be connected to the regulator)...you should get at leas 30 volts on your voltmeter.
Paul f