Alternator output

[JD_Sledder68]

While working on the 78 LF tonight I thought I would see what the lighting system is putting out voltage wise. What I found is very strange.

Tested for 12 volts at the following places:

- Speedometer light wiring = .5 to .7 volts
- At tachometer light wiring = .5 to .7 volts
- At junction block between black and brown wires from alternator = .8 volts to 1.0 volts
- With voltage reg disconnected = .8 volts to 1.0 volts

What's wierd is that my headlight hi and lo beam, dash lights, etc all work and they seem to be just as bright as the Trailfire's lights.

I ohm'd out the voltage reg and it showed 468 ohms where as a my new voltage regulator (spare) shows 68 ohms on the meter.

Haven't tried disconnecting the main harness from the engine to test there yet. Getting to smoky in the garage now. Not good for my chest cold!

[JD_Sledder68]

Duh! I just looked down at my volt meter and noticed that the Volts range was on DC. Hopefully I didn't do any impending damage to my alternator, that will manifest itself soon. Can't believe it didn't fry my meter's fuse.

[harleysportster]

I was thinking the same of the wrong meter setting.

[JD_Sledder68]

I just went out and rechecked it and it shows 13.6 volts at the speedometer lamp at idle.