Opel 1900 1973, Service Manual

Page: 50 / 625

CHARGING SYSTEM 29
DESCRIPTION
The regulator contains only one unit a double con-
tact voltage regulator. See Figure
Figure 1 D-2 Voltage Regulator
Since alternator field is grounded inside the alter-
nator, the voltage contacts are in series with the field.
Field
is supplied from the D- terminal of the
goes through a small red wire to the volt-
age contacts in the regulator, comes out of the
regulator through a brown wire, into the DF termi-
nal of the generator, and through the field winding
to inside the generator. See Figure
,
I
A
I
I
i
I
I
A = REGULATOR
B = CHARGING
INDICATOR LAMP
C = BATTERY
D = DIODES
E =STATOR
F
Charging Circuit Diagram
The diodes in the alternator, since they act like
way check valves, make a cutout relay unnecessary;
battery current can flow only as far as the diodes, but
cannot discharge through the alternator. However,
whenever alternator voltage is higher than battery
voltage, current flows freely through the diodes in
the other direction to charge the battery.
A current-regulator is not necessary. Any alternator
is limited by its design in regard to maximum current
output. Regardless of current need, an alternator
cannot put out more than its rated current output
and, therefore, cannot overheat and damage itself
due to excessive output.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR TESTS
Test Current Output
1. Check alternator belt condition and tension. Ad-
just to 45 lbs. using Gauge J-23600.
2. Install a battery post adapter at the positive post
of the battery.
3. Connect ammeter leads to adapter with red lead
toward generator and black lead toward battery posi-
tive post. Connect ground lead to battery negative
post. See Figure
BATTERY POST
ADAPTER
Figure Connecting Ammeter Leads
4. Connect voltmeter across the battery: red lead at
generator side of battery post adapter and black lead
to battery negative post.
5. Connect a tachometer to ignition system.