Charging problems

[ianhunter]

I am certain my alternator isn't charging. I have bought a multimeter but am not certain what to point at what to discover whether the fault is the alternator, the regulator (separate one, mounted on the bulkhead) or wiring fault. Fairly certain wiring is OK. The charging light comes on with the ignition and goes out when the engine is running, but voltmeter slowly goes down.

Help!

Ian

[kevchard]

Originally Posted by ianhunter

I am certain my alternator isn't charging. Help!

Ian

Hi Ian
I see your problem, it is the battery that should be charging not the altenator
To measure current you need to be stick multimeter on amps DC and stick it in series with the battery (eg take thick wire from altenator where it joins the +ve term on battery), connect this to black wire on multimeter, then put red wire of multimeter on batt +ve terminal (where alt wire was till you removed it). What current can your meter take, most common is 10 or 20Amps?
Cheers
Kevin
PS are you sure battery is not b######d?

[ianhunter]

Kevin

What's an altenator?!!! (Double Smiley face!)

I have found the problem, thank you - wired up wrong!

Thanks anyway

Ian

[Neil O]

Originally Posted by ianhunter

I have found the problem, thank you - wired up wrong!

You or the alternator?