week 7 Alternators

This week we focused on alternators and regulators. The parts are used on all vehicles that have electric recharging systems in them. An alternator runs off an accessory belt ran off the engine which then creates AC electricity and then is rectified inside the alternator by 6 diodes and regulated (turned on/off) by the regulator.

In this photo you can see a double Y stator screw on the outside (4 screw), a regulator (bottom right) and the diodes.

We are testing a different regulator in this photo. If the light doesn't even come on or if it doesn't shut off after a over voltage then the regulator is bad.

This week I never thought I'd have a reason to open a alternator or ever actually learn how to test a voltage regulator so I'm glad I was able to learn how to because I know from experience that they both go bad often. so being able to prove they're bad is a good practice.