[FC] Proper Way to Test Alternator

[Kevin Clark kevin@kcvairbrush.com]

Hey gang,

What is the proper way to test your alternator? The shop manual might not be helpful since I have an internally regulated alternator instead of stock generator on my 1964 FC engine. 

Currently I have one wire plugged in the "R" side of the RF terminal on the alternator. Here are the steps I think I should do and correct me along the way:

Unplug the battery and engine harness wire from the BATT post on the alternator.

Unplug the one wire plug from the "R" socket from the alternator.

Connect a jumper wire from the battery post to the "F" side of the terminal.

Connect a voltmeter from the BATT to the ground.
Question here is there is no "GRD" on the alternator. Do I use the engine frame rail as ground?

Run the engine at 1500 RPM for several minutes. What reading should I get on the voltmeter to determine the state of the alternator?

My RetroSound radio quit working and I discovered I wasn't getting 12volts to the radio. I can rule out the voltage regulator since it is not in use with the internally regulated alternator. I am getting 12.44volts from the battery terminal with the engine running. Could there be another problem involved causing the low voltage?

Kevin

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Kevin G. Clark
kevin at kcvairbrush.com
www.kcvairbrush.com