theory/question

[Anonymous-0]

44 2n 12 volt conv. One the tractor is started, should I be able to remove the neg battery cable and the tractor continue running - thereby confirming the alternator is functioning properly?

 

[Bob]

That is a good way to KILL an alternator or even cause a battery explosion by making a spark at the terminal.

Instead, grab a cheap ANALOG voltmeter and check the charging voltage.

If the alternator is NOT charging, the battery voltage won"t be above 12.5 Volts.

If it IS properly charging, the voltage will be in the 13.8 to 14.5 Volt range.

 

[old]

That while it may work is a good way to get your self hurt or maybe even dead. When you do that the alternator sees a dead battery and can put out 90 plus volts at 35 plus amps which is more then enough to kill. Plus doing that can/will fry the diodes in it so then you have a bad alternator. Best and only way one should test an alternator is by checking battery voltage when not running then start the engine and check volts again. Not running you should read 12.3 or more and a charged battery running you should see 13 plus volts

 

[Errin OH]

Yes -no - maybe?

Most conversions do not have the proper ratio on the pulleys so the alt does not start putting anything out until the engine is above 8-900 rpm.

So if you pull it at idle (600 rpm) it would likely die. Depending on the ratio it might die at 1000 rpm. You could measure both pulleys and figure out what rpm would put the alt above 12 - 1400 rpm. If it is going to it should be putting out by then.

 

[HCooke]

As the others said that is a good way to make sure the alt will not work any more.

 

[Anonymous-0]

thanks all!

 

[souNdguy]

good way to kill an alt and maybee the battery and hurt yourself.

if it will start and run off the battery only. and if the battery voltage goes up when running. your system is charging