volt meter question (advice please)

[banginboots]

i was curious where is the recomended place to attach my volt meter to the veh. electrical system and does it read alt. out put or just batt. charge. your info is greatly appreciated

[datzenmike]

If running it can't help but read alt. output.

[ggzilla]

A voltmeter reads voltage - not the charge. And all voltage in a Datsun is connected - battery is connected to alternator is connected to the wiring harness. It's all the same.

 

Place the voltmeter in the dash, and connect Blace wire to the dash frame (bare metal) and the hot wire to an IGN wire behind the dash. You don't want to connect it to the battery, because you don't want the meter ON all the time. You only want it ON when the key is ON.

[banginboots]

thanks guys i got it

[banzai510(hainz)]

BUy this

its moron proof

 

http://www.equus.com/Product/3721/Battery-Monitor

[Spades]

For further clarification, there is a difference between a voltmeter and a meter that measures amps. There are ways to do load tests on alternator outputs while monitering the actual amps being put out along with voltage. The quick test for an alternator is voltage, because most modern alternators tend to have their internal regulator fail, and this leads to a no charging, undercharging, or over charging situation and you will often see the voltage being too high or too low. In most cases, a load tester or amp gauge are not required, but sometimes you will find an alternator putting out 13.50 - 14.75 volts even with the headlights on that is not producing enough amps to prevent the battery from being drained, and an old carbon pile load tester can come in handy.

[izzo]

For further clarification, there is a difference between a voltmeter and a meter that measures amps. There are ways to do load tests on alternator outputs while monitering the actual amps being put out along with voltage. The quick test for an alternator is voltage, because most modern alternators tend to have their internal regulator fail, and this leads to a no charging, undercharging, or over charging situation and you will often see the voltage being too high or too low. In most cases, a load tester or amp gauge are not required, but sometimes you will find an alternator putting out 13.50 - 14.75 volts even with the headlights on that is not producing enough amps to prevent the battery from being drained, and an old carbon pile load tester can come in handy.

 

This is true. Happened to me a week ago. Voltage read 14.4V yet was unable to charge the battery. I went to an IR alternator on the 210 from a 720, and haven't looked back since. No more issues.