The Ford Barn

Rick · 11-02-2021, 03:11 PM

How can I test a 6 volt generator that has a Field and a armature post to see if it is working. I am trying to determine if I have a bad generator or relay as I am not getting 7 volts and the amp gauge does not show charging, only discharge when turning on lights. I have google it and it does not explain how to test the generator only. Car is positive ground
Thanks, Rick

rockfla · 11-02-2021, 03:18 PM

With a V/O meter set to DC volts, touch your black lead to ground and the red lead to the output post of the generator with the car running. Should get a voltage output reading OR if not its "really" bad.

Rick · 11-02-2021, 03:21 PM

It is positive ground. Which post is the outpost ? The field or arm

koates · 11-02-2021, 04:16 PM

Rick, I have posted this information numerous times before. At the voltage regulator remove the field wire from its terminal and connect it over onto the armature terminal (not the battery terminal). Start engine and rev up to about 2000 RPM and ammeter should show a high charge if the generator is working OK. If no charge then the generator is faulty. Please list what car you have when asking questions. Regards, Kevin.

Rick · 11-02-2021, 05:41 PM

Thanks Kevin. This is so simple and good to know.
Regards, Rick

RKS.PA · 11-02-2021, 05:58 PM

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And Rick, once you've done Kevin's test above and find your generator is charging....a happy result!!!...you can test the regulator by putting the black lead of your meter on the "BAT" terminal of the regulator and the red lead on ground...I like the ground screw on the regulator cover. If the regulator is adjusted correctly, you should get a reading of between 7.2 and 7.4 volts being sent over to the battery at the RPM's Kevin recommends above.

tubman · 11-02-2021, 06:05 PM

Just to be clear, where do you put the VOM leads to make this check?

koates · 11-02-2021, 06:19 PM

tubman, VOM red test lead to a good ground or base of regulator and black test lead to regulator Battery terminal or Armature terminal if you like. This is for a positive ground car. Should have 7.2 to 7.5 volts. Set VOM to DC volts. Have some revs up as well because generators dont charge at normal engine idle speed. Regards, Kevin.

tubman · 11-02-2021, 08:20 PM

Thanks for the clarification; I'm sure it will help many on here.

jayvee34 · 11-03-2021, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koates

tubman, VOM red test lead to a good ground or base of regulator and black test lead to regulator Battery terminal or Armature terminal if you like. This is for a positive ground car. Should have 7.2 to 7.5 volts. Set VOM to DC volts. Have some revs up as well because generators dont charge at normal engine idle speed. Regards, Kevin.

Thanks, answers my question also.

Mart · 11-03-2021, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koates

Rick, I have posted this information numerous times before. At the voltage regulator remove the field wire from its terminal and connect it over onto the armature terminal (not the battery terminal). Start engine and rev up to about 2000 RPM and ammeter should show a high charge if the generator is working OK. If no charge then the generator is faulty. Please list what car you have when asking questions. Regards, Kevin.

I had not heard of this test before and used it on the generator on my truck recently. It proved the generator was capable of putting out a good solid voltage and amps.
thanks Koates.

Mart.

11-02-2021, 03:11 PM	#1
Rick Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 104	6 Volt generator test How can I test a 6 volt generator that has a Field and a armature post to see if it is working. I am trying to determine if I have a bad generator or relay as I am not getting 7 volts and the amp gauge does not show charging, only discharge when turning on lights. I have google it and it does not explain how to test the generator only. Car is positive ground Thanks, Rick Last edited by Rick; 11-02-2021 at 03:44 PM.

11-02-2021, 03:18 PM	#2
rockfla Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Jacksonville FL Posts: 3,961	Re: 6 Volt generator test With a V/O meter set to DC volts, touch your black lead to ground and the red lead to the output post of the generator with the car running. Should get a voltage output reading OR if not its "really" bad.

11-02-2021, 03:21 PM	#3
Rick Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 104	Re: 6 Volt generator test It is positive ground. Which post is the outpost ? The field or arm

11-02-2021, 04:16 PM	#4
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,079	Re: 6 Volt generator test Rick, I have posted this information numerous times before. At the voltage regulator remove the field wire from its terminal and connect it over onto the armature terminal (not the battery terminal). Start engine and rev up to about 2000 RPM and ammeter should show a high charge if the generator is working OK. If no charge then the generator is faulty. Please list what car you have when asking questions. Regards, Kevin.

11-02-2021, 05:41 PM	#5
Rick Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 104	Re: 6 Volt generator test Thanks Kevin. This is so simple and good to know. Regards, Rick

11-02-2021, 05:58 PM	#6
RKS.PA Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Marana, AZ Posts: 1,194	Re: 6 Volt generator test Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) And Rick, once you've done Kevin's test above and find your generator is charging....a happy result!!!...you can test the regulator by putting the black lead of your meter on the "BAT" terminal of the regulator and the red lead on ground...I like the ground screw on the regulator cover. If the regulator is adjusted correctly, you should get a reading of between 7.2 and 7.4 volts being sent over to the battery at the RPM's Kevin recommends above.

11-02-2021, 06:05 PM	#7
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,319	Re: 6 Volt generator test Just to be clear, where do you put the VOM leads to make this check?

11-02-2021, 06:19 PM	#8
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,079	Re: 6 Volt generator test tubman, VOM red test lead to a good ground or base of regulator and black test lead to regulator Battery terminal or Armature terminal if you like. This is for a positive ground car. Should have 7.2 to 7.5 volts. Set VOM to DC volts. Have some revs up as well because generators dont charge at normal engine idle speed. Regards, Kevin.

11-02-2021, 08:20 PM	#9
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,319	Re: 6 Volt generator test Thanks for the clarification; I'm sure it will help many on here.