Use a voltmeter and an ammeter.
There are about 4 or 5 test you can do to measure current input/output and amperage output.
Check the FSM to troubleshoot an alternator.
(Had an alternator problem with my boat...)
-Mike Brown
Pasadena, MD.
97-Dakota Club Cab,5.2L, 4X4, 7" Lift, 35"x12.50" BFG A/T.
http://www.geocities.com/mbrowwwn/index.html
-----Original Message-----
From: Kyle Kozubal [mailto:grndak4x4@home.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2000 4:16 PM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: DML: Alternators;Testing ccessory Draw
What is the best way to measure how well the alternator is doing with
various load and amp draw?
Aaron, I think you were going to do this with the 75amp alt and also with
the 120 amp alt. How doyou plan on doing the measuring? I did some quick
measuring, just not sure how efffective it is in determing how well the alt
is keeping up with the load. I did my test just by taking readings off of
the battery, if there is a more accurate or better way to get readings let
me know please. Anyways, here is what I found.
Test Mule: 1993 Dodge Dakota 4x4 V6
Mileage: 127,400 miles
Alternator(stock); Nippondenso 75 amp
Battery:; Champion 4x4 1050 CA-3 years old
First I used a normal Radio Shack 'hand meter':
Truck Off: 12.5 Volts
Idle: 13.5 Volts
Idle with Stock Headlights, CB and Radio On: 13.5 Volts
Idle with the Above on and also with the 55watt Hella Floods On: 13.5
Idle with the Above on and also with Hella 55Watt Fogs On: 13.22
Secondly I used a "Amp Champ" Digital 6/12 Volt Battery Tester:
Truck Off: 12.45 volts
Idle: 13.45 volts
Idle with ALL Accessories On: 12.65
What does this mean? What should the numbers be? I still think a 120amp
alternator is in my near future. Any input???
Kyle
93 Dakota 4x4 V6
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