testing an alt

[>>SQL<< 10+ year member]

You'll need to find someone with a DC clamp meter(expensive for an accurate one and more rare than you'd think). Have them put the clamp on the positive wire. Then use a standard volt meter or dmm. Play a tone and slowly turn your stereo up. When the volt meter reads 12.8v take a look at the dc current reading. That's how many amps your alt can produce at that rpm.

Yea that would be the correct way however not going to happen around here.

I just wanted it tested before I installed it to verify that what the seller told to me was true cause if it wasn't I was going to send it back and just be out the return shipping charges.

I am going to install it soon, I have a volt meter in the car so I guess I will crank it up 3/4 and if the voltage stays above 12.8 - 13.0 then I got my monies worth.

Thinking about it I do have a buddy that may have that tool. He is the Head Master Mechanic for the County, there is a chance he has one. But now I am thinking about it, normally the people who use those use them in High Voltage Applications. I will ask him though.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[>>SQL<< 10+ year member]

You'll need to find someone with a DC clamp meter(expensive for an accurate one and more rare than you'd think). Have them put the clamp on the positive wire. Then use a standard volt meter or dmm. Play a tone and slowly turn your stereo up. When the volt meter reads 12.8v take a look at the dc current reading. That's how many amps your alt can produce at that rpm.

Yea that would be the correct way however not going to happen around here.

I just wanted it tested before I installed it to verify that what the seller told to me was true cause if it wasn't I was going to send it back and just be out the return shipping charges.

I am going to install it soon, I have a volt meter in the car so I guess I will crank it up 3/4 and if the voltage stays above 12.8 - 13.0 then I got my monies worth.

Thinking about it I do have a buddy that may have that tool. He is the Head Master Mechanic for the County, there is a chance he has one. But now I am thinking about it, normally the people who use those use them in High Voltage Applications. I will ask him though.

Thanks for the suggestion.