No charge

[erichy]

Hi guys I can't figure out why I don't have a charge. There is a new alternator already and when I disconnect the battery with the engine running it dies. I know now that you shouldn't do that but I only did it once. Anyway do you guys have any suggestions?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: No charge

Is there really a sticker on the alternator that says it's ok to disconnect it only once when the engine is running? Don't think so and that's all it takes. You used to be able to do that with a generator but you have an alternator. You may not have toasted the alternator but you probably toasted the voltage regulator. Remove the alternator, take it to an auto store and have it tested. Then don't disconnect it again with the engine running. Measure voltage at the battery with the engine running. Anything over 13 volts says the battery is charging. Until you know you have a good alternator you are just guessing at this.

 

[erichy]

Re: No charge

Didn't see a sticker but since I'm an admitted rookie I did it before I read on here not to. In the future I'll be sure to look here first before I do anything, lesson learned I guess.The alternator is a two post Prestolite, the big lower post is hot all the time and the smaller 16 guage upper post is always dead. Is that upper post supposed to energize with the ignition switch on? I have the manual but it doesn't give a diagram for the OMC 200HP just 185/225HP. What should the multimeter show for the posts with the engine off and when running? Thanks for your help fellas you have already saved me a fortune. Eric