bench testing alternators

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RMS
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Location: Richmond BC Canada

bench testing alternators

Post by RMS »

I have been cleaning up my parts I have stored in a 40ft trailer and shifting them into a 20ft box. man I got a lot of junk...

I started stacking alts off to one side(not knowing if they would fit in the new box). after a few days the pile was no longer off to the side....looks like I got about 40 of them from stockers to 80amp IR's

the question is: what to do with 40+ alternators in unknown condition ?

way too many to be fitting and testing on a car..... so how do I make a bench tester ? I have a 1/4hp 3400 rpm120v Ballard with a 2in pulley and a multi meter ......but what else do I need ?
two_68_510s wrote:I guess our donkeys are quicker then your sled dogs!
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two_68_510s
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Re: bench testing alternators

Post by two_68_510s »

Could you use an old battery as a load?
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2 '68 510 2 door sedans
'95 240SX


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datzenmike
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Re: bench testing alternators

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I had a mounted electric motor and a volt gauge from a 720. I can't remember if I used a battery. (I don't think so...) I just held the alternator in hand with the belt loose around the pulleys. Pulled the alt. away from the electric motor to tension the belt, does not take much without any load, and the gauge jumped to 14.5 volts. There's enough residual magnetism to excite the alternator and once spinning it's self feeding anyway.

Now that I think of it I may have used my old battery charger to get it going. Only takes a second to check and the only risk to an over volt condition is anything used as a load.

So yes this will work.
"Nissan 'shit the bed' when they made these, plain and simple." McShagger510 on flattop SUs
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RMS
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Re: bench testing alternators

Post by RMS »

I guess the main thing is to have a good ground. how do I test the diode pack ? I would hate to install a alt and wake up with a dead battery.

on a stock ex reg alt would I need to plug in a regulator ?
two_68_510s wrote:I guess our donkeys are quicker then your sled dogs!
datzenmike
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Re: bench testing alternators

Post by datzenmike »

Yes regulator.
"Nissan 'shit the bed' when they made these, plain and simple." McShagger510 on flattop SUs
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66DUCE
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Re: bench testing alternators

Post by 66DUCE »

Robyn, send me a PM and we can test these one day when we both have time.
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