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How to test a generator?

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Glenn Reid in C

03-27-2003 17:46:33

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Anybody have any good ideas about how to test to see whether or not a generator is actually generating/charging? Would I have to unhook the battery while it's running and test for positive charge at the terminals, or is there a better place to insert the test meter? It seems that most of the places I've thought of would show the battery's charge unless I unhook it.

Confused in CA,
Glenn

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steve

03-27-2003 18:36:14

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Re: How to test a generator? in reply to Glenn Reid in CA, 03-27-2003 17:46:33

if you dont get any reading with a volt meter, then determine if it is the generator or regulator/ cutout that is causing the problem.
--jumper the "F" terminal to the tractor frame. start the motor and chekc voltage between "A" and "F" terminals and see if it is 7- 7.2 volts as Bob suggests. That proves that the generator can actually put out. problme is then in the voltage regulator, or light switch if you have a cutout.

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Glenn Reid in CA

03-27-2003 19:17:28

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Re: Re: How to test a generator? in reply to steve, 03-27-2003 18:36:14

Thanks to all of you who have responded. I didn't get any difference in voltage at the battery when the engine was running versus not. Just about exactly 6 volts either way.

The ammeter doesn't drop when the engine is running, either, which it seems like it should. Except that I just realized that I didn't test all the switch positions on the switch.

It's dark so I'm going to wait on the further testing, but I very much appreciate the help!

Glenn

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Bob M

03-27-2003 18:00:38

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Re: How to test a generator? in reply to Glenn Reid in CA, 03-27-2003 17:46:33

Best way is with a voltmeter. Connect it directly across the battery and note the reading with the engine off. Now start the motor and run at 1/2 speed or faster. A good charging system cause the voltmeter reading to increase by about 1.5 - 2 volts or more with the engine running (or an increase of 0.75 - 1 volt for a 6 volt system).

You can also observe the ammeter. With the engine off, turn on the ignition or the lights. The ammeter should indicate 5 - 10 amps discharge (this tests that the ammeter is not stuck!). Now turn off the lights, start the engine and run it at 1/2 speed or higher. The ammeter should initially show 10-20 amps or more charge, then taper off toward 5 amps or so after running a few minutes. (However it may not taper off for some time if the battery is partially discharged).

Hope this helps!

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Tractor Dan

03-27-2003 17:57:22

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Re: How to test a generator? in reply to Glenn Reid in CA, 03-27-2003 17:46:33

i use my mutimetter just check volt right at the battery with engine running it will show if it is charging or not

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