1 Attachment(s)
Alternator Cable Output Voltage
If and when you check your 24v chassis alternator to verify the output voltage, you may not want to use the big red cable at the alternator. Instead, use the batteries or the jump lug to check your voltage.
I was curious, ya I know and anal, to see my alternator output and found it to be zero at the cable, but had the proper voltage at the dash gauge and the batteries. After driving myself nuts (and Jon) I removed the cable from the alternator to the starter solenoid and verified that in fact the cable had the proper voltage, but wouldn't show up on my meter. Did that mean the big dog 12v 300 amp alternator was somehow charging the chassis batteries along with the house?
Nope, the bolt that holds the cable at the alternator with all the nice rubber grommets on it does not have any continuity! It looks like it's made with two different types of metal and has the rubber built in.
Now before you experts with fancy tools start blasting me for being a dumb ass (hey we all know to check at the batteries and not the alternator), there are those of us out there with plain ole conventional meters and this post is for the guy that might be talked into buying a new alternator by Bubba cause it ain't puttin out!
Attachment 1951
No continuity
