My Test Mule
I have what was advertised (at time of purchase) as a daily driver '65 Valiant Signet convertible in my stable. It shall become the "hero" by the end of this story (see foto #1). I believe the voltage regulator to be the original factory-style points driven in a black plastic case, not electronic (see foto #2).
In storage, I have a pair of alternators (see foto #3). One is from the complete but hodgepodge 340 I purchased which bears some yellow paint that inscribe the word "Good" (see foto #4). The other is from my '65 Formula S that has been stripped the past two years for restoration. It is a rebuilt that I installed myself.
Curious as to the condition of the two alternators, I tossed them in a box and headed to the nearest Autozone. They could not help me, said the test equipment was "out of service". Went further into downtown to a second Autozone, where an employee there spent about 30 minutes fooling around and "testing". Looking in a drawer full of various wire looms, looking up for fotos to find a similar alternator in the computer database, comparing the display foto with my alternators, consulting an instruction screen on the test unit, talking it all over with a second employee. Finally he finds a belt short enough to spin the alternators and hooks up a couple of wires. He closes the lid and things begin to spin inside.
A large red rectangular box on the tester screen flashed in large print "FAILED". The Autozone guy runs the second alternator through a similar test routine with the same results "FAILED". Then he re-tests the first alternator again, maybe switching some wires around, I don't know. For the third time in a row: "Failed". We place the alternators in my box, I thank the guy and tell him I will advise my mechanic (a white lie).
I come back home and fire up the convertible. It's putting out 13.8 volts at idle and 14.2 volts at a fast idle. I install the two alternators that just failed at Autozone. They both test out at the same 13.8 volts and 14.2 volts. I am pleased with myself and pop open a can of V-8 to celebrate my triumph over ignorance and incompetence. Oh, did I mention this is Autozone Mexico? Don't believe USA stores are much better though.
Note: Last foto below for effect, not a screen image from alternator test bench!
I have what was advertised (at time of purchase) as a daily driver '65 Valiant Signet convertible in my stable. It shall become the "hero" by the end of this story (see foto #1). I believe the voltage regulator to be the original factory-style points driven in a black plastic case, not electronic (see foto #2).
In storage, I have a pair of alternators (see foto #3). One is from the complete but hodgepodge 340 I purchased which bears some yellow paint that inscribe the word "Good" (see foto #4). The other is from my '65 Formula S that has been stripped the past two years for restoration. It is a rebuilt that I installed myself.
Curious as to the condition of the two alternators, I tossed them in a box and headed to the nearest Autozone. They could not help me, said the test equipment was "out of service". Went further into downtown to a second Autozone, where an employee there spent about 30 minutes fooling around and "testing". Looking in a drawer full of various wire looms, looking up for fotos to find a similar alternator in the computer database, comparing the display foto with my alternators, consulting an instruction screen on the test unit, talking it all over with a second employee. Finally he finds a belt short enough to spin the alternators and hooks up a couple of wires. He closes the lid and things begin to spin inside.
A large red rectangular box on the tester screen flashed in large print "FAILED". The Autozone guy runs the second alternator through a similar test routine with the same results "FAILED". Then he re-tests the first alternator again, maybe switching some wires around, I don't know. For the third time in a row: "Failed". We place the alternators in my box, I thank the guy and tell him I will advise my mechanic (a white lie).
I come back home and fire up the convertible. It's putting out 13.8 volts at idle and 14.2 volts at a fast idle. I install the two alternators that just failed at Autozone. They both test out at the same 13.8 volts and 14.2 volts. I am pleased with myself and pop open a can of V-8 to celebrate my triumph over ignorance and incompetence. Oh, did I mention this is Autozone Mexico? Don't believe USA stores are much better though.
Note: Last foto below for effect, not a screen image from alternator test bench!
