Generator testing instructions

[rlutterb]

I’m not much of an electrician so I have a question about what seems to be some pretty basic Generator testing instructions. These instructions say that I should connect a jumper from the DF terminal on the generator to the “generator frame“. What is a generator frame? Does that mean the metal case of the generator or does this really mean just ground the DF terminal to the vehicle somewhere? I know it’s simple for some of you but I don’t understand it and I don’t want to damage the generator testing it to see if it works.

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1973 Super Beetle
1978 Ford F-250
2020 GMC Sierra

[busdaddy]

There's a ground screw on the generator body (or frame), but if it's attached to the car any place on the engine will do.

Whatever you do don't rev it excessively, you'll overload the commutator and melt the solder, then it's not a generator anymore. Watch your volt meter and look for a rise, don't over do it just to see what happens.

Also disconnect anything else in the electrical system that can suffer from a voltage spike, no need to cook your radio or something.
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[Cusser]

Just do the test for a FEW seconds
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[carsdlt]

Yes...no more than 5 seconds (ask me how I know).
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Thanx, DLT
'73 181 stock 1600 - "Dr. Bombay"

"If it works, don't fix it....let it break on its own."

[heimlich]

Here's a nice walkthrough: http://www.vw-resource.com/generator.html
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[rlutterb]

Ran this test and the voltmeter showed zero voltage.
Used a black jumper from DF terminal to body ground
Red lead on voltmeter attached to D+ terminal, black lead on voltmeter jumped to a body ground. Engine idling showed zero volts, rev engine showed no change.

Did I do the test right?
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1973 Super Beetle
1978 Ford F-250
2020 GMC Sierra

[busdaddy]

[rlutterb]