alternator question
 

Hi guys,
I was just wondering if besides the voltage regulator and the obvious.. bearing, tension from the belt, inside armature continuity, proper rectification...is there anything else that could go wrong with an alternator? If it produces over 13 volts it is working properly, right?
thanks alot,
opossum

Best basic diagnostic procedure I have seen is in post#5 of the recent thread (today) called "More battery/alternator troubles"

MP

Yep,
saw that, read it extensively...Don't know how much that accurately answers my question however.
thanks though!
Opossum

"The voltage at the battery with the engine running and everything else off and fully charged battery should be 13.0 to 13.8 Volts. Domestic cars will be 14 to 14.8 volts.
With the engine at idle, check for AC voltage. It should be less than 1V. If it is more, than the rectifiers are bad in the alternator. Now back to DC volts at the battery, turn on the lights and the AC fan to high. The voltage will drop but it should stay above 12.5V. Rev the engine to 2000 RPM and the voltage should go back up to 13.0 to 13.8 V. If not, check the alt belt first. It should be tight enought that you can't turn it by hand.(Be careful, it will be hot). If the belt will slip when turning it by hand, it is toooo loose. Tighten it and recheck."
I would say that answers your question about 100% accurately.