Pic. 7.11. Checking the degree of charge of the battery with a voltmeter
Check the connection of the battery terminals and make sure that there is no corrosion on them (pic. 7.11).
Pic. 7.12. Checking the degree of charge of the battery from the indicators
If there are charging indicators on the battery, determine the condition of the battery (pic. 7.12).
Use a tester to check the health of the fusible links, making sure that there is conductivity (short circuit) on their findings.
Inspect the wires going to the generator, check the reliability of their connection, the condition of the wiring, as well as the presence of extraneous noise coming from the generator when the engine is running.
Checking the accessory drive belt
Pic. 7.13. An example of accessory drive belt wear
Check accessory drive belt for wear and damage. If defects are found, replace the belt (pic. 7.13).
Note. Detachment of rubber from the cord on the inside is not allowed (from the side of the ridges) and outer surfaces of the belt, exposed or damaged cord, peeling of the ridge from the rubber base, the presence of cracks, delamination or wear on the sides of the belt and on the sides of the ridges of the belt. Replace belt if necessary.
Note. Term «belt used» refers to a belt that has been in operation for more than 5 minutes.
Pic. 7.14. Checking the correct installation of the drive belt
If a new belt has been installed, check that it is properly seated on the pulleys. Check by hand at the bottom of the pulleys for a loose groove in the pulley (pic. 7.14).
After installing the belt, start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, and then check the belt tension again.
Adjust tension if necessary (deflection) drive belt.
Checking the electrical circuit of the generator without load (at idle)
Note. If you have a tester to check the alternator and battery, connect it in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
If there is no tester, do the following:
- disconnect the wire from the generator output «IN» and connect it to the negative terminal of the ammeter;
Pic. 7.15. An example of checking the electrical circuit of the generator without load
- connect the wire from the positive terminal of the ammeter to the terminal «IN» generator (pic. 7.15).
Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to the lead «IN» generator.
Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to «weight».
Measure the alternator output voltage and current from idle speed up to 2000 min–1.
- Current strength: no more than 10 A.
- Output voltage: 13.2-14.8 V.
If the voltage is not within the specified limits, replace the voltage regulator.
Measure the voltage at the generator output and the current in the circuit «generator - battery» at 2000 min–1, high beam headlights on and heater fan switch in position «HI».
- Current strength: not less than 30 A.
If the current is less than the specified value, then repair or replace the generator.
Note. With a fully charged battery, the recoil current may be less than the specified value.