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Carbon Pile Load Alternator Test

NOTE: Ensure battery is fully charged when performing this test.
  1. Install carbon pile load tester and voltmeter across battery terminals and clamp-on ammeter to one of the battery cables. Start engine and raise engine speed to 2000 RPM.
  2. With engine at 2000 RPM, observe voltmeter. If voltage is uncontrolled or is greater than 16 volts, alternator is bad and must be replaced. If voltage is less than 16 volts, turn carbon pile load tester on.
  3. While maintaining 2000 RPM, adjust carbon pile tester to obtain a maximum current reading on ammeter. DO NOT  allow voltage to fall to less than 13 volts. If alternator output current is within 15 amps of rated output, alternator is good.
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