Volts - Preliminary Checks; Charging System Volts Test - Sears 161.2161 Owner's Manual

VOLTS - PRELIMINARY CHECKS
The VOLTS position is used to test the cranking and charging systems in the vehicle.
CONSULT THE OPERATING MANUAL
OF THE VEHICLE BEING TESTED FOR
SPECIFIC VOLTAGES AND TEST
PROCEDURES:
The following information will serve as a
general guide for making charging system
tests.
Before making VOLTS tests:
Check the fan belt--it should be tensioned
according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Check the generator or alternator pu IIey and
mounting bolts. They should be tight.
CRANKING
va
TS TEST
1. Remove the high tension lead from the
center of the distributor cap and ground it by
placing the loose end so it touches the engine
or frame.
2. Connect the test leads as shown in Fig. 1.
Set the slide switch knob to OTHER TESTS and
the Function Selector Knob to VOLTS.
3. Operate the starter for 10 seconds and ob-
serve the cranking voltage on the 0-16 Volts
scale. A steady reading of more than 9.6 volts
indicates that the battery, cables, and starter
system are in good condition.
CHARGING SYSTEM VOLTS TEST
. 1. Connect the test leads as shown in Fig. 1.
Set the slide switch knob to OTHER TESTS and
the Function Selector Knob to VOLTS.
Start the engine. Allow it to run a few
minutes at 1500 to 2000 RPM. Observe
the reading on the 0 - 16 volt scale.
The pointer should be between 13.2 and
15.2 volts with or without headlights and
5
Make sure that the charging system wiring and
the battery cables are in good condition and
that connections are tight. Make sure the
battery is clean and that the liquid level in
each cell is above the plates.
The engine and all parts of the charging system
should be at normal operating temperature be-
fore making any electrical tests. If the engine
is cold, operate the engine at idle speed for at
least 15 minutes before making any tests.
4. A reading below 9.6 volts could be caused by
~
a battery that is defective or not fully charged.
Fully charge the battery and repeat the test. If
the reading is sti" below 9.6 volts, either the
battery or starter is defective.
5. A fluctuating voltage reading is indicative
of a defect in the starter or battery or in the
battery-starter wiring circuit. Refer to page
6 (POINTS-LOW VOLTAGE SCALE) for trouble
shooting voltage drops in the battery-starter
wiring circuit.
Replace or repair any defective parts as required
~
to restore cranking system to proper operation.
6. Replace the high tension lead in the center
of the distributor cap.
blower motor on. Readings lower than
13.2 indicate either a worn out battery,
defective generator or alternator, defec-
tive or improperly adjusted voltage regu-
lator.
Readings above 15.2 are indicative of a
defective or improperly adjusted voltage
regulator.
Replace, repair or adjust the defective
part as required.