Re: 6v. alternator

Posted by Doug Linden on January 20, 1998 at 13:01:11

In Reply to: Re: 6v. alternator
posted by Bob Carabbio on January 19, 1998 at 22:06:11

: Like the others say, I'd be pretty skeptical of any current draw that would show on an "A" ammeter.
: One of the problems with alternators/generators is that there has to be some maqnetism in the alternator structure to begin generation when the engine starts.Multi-wire alternators normally solve this by applying current to the field when the ignition switch is turned on.Since Unitized (one wire) alternators are always connected with no ignition switch connection, sometimes they are designed to leak a little "Keep Alive" current to the field to keep a residual magnetism going, but if it's there it's milliamps and should be invisible unless you're actually looking for it.
: Bob Carabbio
Bob,
As usual your right on the button.Current flows through the field windings to make the alternator work.When the engine ofa modern car is shut off the ignition switch disconnects this small current flow.An alternator used in our Model A's is wired such that this connection remains "on" when the engine is turned off.If you put an ammeter in series with the output of the alternator you will notice a very small current drain of around 25 Milliamps.This is normal for the way these alternators are wired.This is not usually a problem unless you don't use the "A" for a long time, in which case you might want to pull the safety fuse or disconnect the battery.

Follow Ups:
Re: 6v. alternator Jim Miller January 20, 1998 at 14:03:42(0)

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