Got my 66 out of storage after 5 months and noticed the anmeter was showing a discharge as I was pulling into the garage. Had the alternator rebuilt last year, and the brushes are contacting the stator plates. I've cleaned the contacts on the 4TR unit and the alternator, but still no charge. I'm assuming the 4TR unit is the culprit, since it's the original, but would like to verify before I buy a new one. Is there an easy way to check the alternator in situ without frying it or my multimeter?

Thanks.

Jack Terrick
66 FHC

Submitted by jht66efhc@eart… on Sat, 04/16/2005 - 21:17

Thanks Mike, 'tis indeed the regulator. Appreciate the quick response. The workshop manual makes it sound much more complicated than it really is to check it.

Jack

Submitted by mfrank@westnet.com on Sat, 04/16/2005 - 20:16

I assume you mean that your brushes are in contact with the rotor.

Remove the connector from the 4TR. Cobble up a short jumper, and on the connector, jumper the "-" and "F" positions. Start the car and measure the voltage across the battery posts. If you don't get better than 13V, your alternator is bad. If you do, it's the regulator. Don't let the car run for more than a few seconds like this.

Mike Frank