Generator Question

On Saturday I placed a voltmeter on the Genny's terminals. In one set up I was reading -3.16 volts DC. (Yes there was a dash or negative in front of the reading, did not make sence to me) When I switched the probes, I got no reading at all. My voltmeter was set on the 20 volt DC range. I tried the the 300V AC setting and got no readings.

Do you have any thoughts?

My 1st assumption is operator error.

Jerry, perhaps here is another FENA article for you? The charging side of the electrical system. I would also be interested in what the regulator does and how it works.

Jeff

Jeff

To get an output reading you need to ground the Field terminal of the generator. Assuming that you have a 6v system you should have a reading of around 7v if it is working properly.Do you also have the system discharge indicator light?Is your battery staying charged or do you have to use a charger? Check to see if you have 6v on the battery side of your ammeter. Temporarily touch a ground wire to the load side of the meter. The needle should move all the way to one side. If the needle doesn't move then your gauge is shot. If the needle does move then I would suspect a wireing error.
I wired up the idiot light on my TO-20 and got rid of the ammeter gauge. It seems to work real good that way.

Electrical problems can be perplexing till you can be sure of which component is giving you the grief.

Good Luck,

Mike M.