Alternator Task - Monday 29th & Tuesday 30 September 2014

Removing Alternator

R&R Alternator

Note of original wiring

Monday and Tuesday saw us undertaking the Alternator Practice Task.  This started in the main workshop by taking functional measurements using a multimeter on a live rig, before R&R the Alternator unit itself. We then went next door into the Garston Lab for the alternator strip and reassemble section. Myself and Isaac were so quietly engrossed with our task on Monday that we almost missed our pie break, as I came back into the workshop to retrieve some information, and realised that we were the only ones still there. Leaving Isaac on sentry duty I duly retrieved the keys from the staff office, re-secured the workshop, returned the keys and then moved rapidly to the hot pie section of the cafeteria before we missed it!  Going into the Garston Lab with Isaac is akin to entering an

Testing Rotor Windings (3-4 Ohms)

Testing Stator Windings
(.1 ohm recommended)

Test Lamp to Diode Pack

alternate time dimension!  We were required to undertake various measurements using a multimeter, a test lamp and a running test bed. We measured the brushes using a steel rule, the rotor and stator windings using a multimeter and a test lamp to double check the diode pack.  We de-soldered and removed the diode pack and then re-installed and re-soldered, which was very good practice.  All tests proved serviceability until it came to testing the Regulator on the test bed.  The battery was indicating  an over charge, so we duly R&R the regulator only to obtain the same readings.  After much "umming", "erring" and sighing, Isaac eventually managed to get the alternator to function correctly, albeit with a mystery electrical connection remaining detached.  It was tested and proved as an earth wire and, with our task sheet signed as complete, Isaac celebrated by connecting an old fan to test the unit under load.  Unfortunately it had gathered quite a bit of dust from its duration on the shelf, which hadn't crossed my mind as I peered curiously over his shoulder!  With the room duly vented and us patting ourselves down we were then assigned to the Practice Gearbox task (which we should have been doing anyway as it turns out)?   A very successful task nonetheless and most enjoyable.