ANALOG AC METER SEE DEFECTIVE ALT STATOR DIODES
Yep, with an AC voltmeter with a needle, a reading of 2.0 volts or greater is a sure way to tell if a stator is open or shorted, and/or one of the rectifiers is open or shorted. The reading -must be- taken at the alternator and not at the battery.
Cheap, tiny analog multimeters work fine for this. Digital readings are not reliable UNLESS you first have a reading available that was taken while the alternator was charging hard. Again this reading should be taken right at the alternator. Set the meter to AC volts lowest scale than hope for the best. Some rectified WYE alternators cannot be read digitally. The digits scramble like they went through a blender.
Cheap, tiny analog multimeters work fine for this. Digital readings are not reliable UNLESS you first have a reading available that was taken while the alternator was charging hard. Again this reading should be taken right at the alternator. Set the meter to AC volts lowest scale than hope for the best. Some rectified WYE alternators cannot be read digitally. The digits scramble like they went through a blender.
