CraigW

Is there anyway of test a Impreza alternater without it being on the car ?

Jolly Green Monster

iTrader: (4)

not easily.. specialist might be able to..

morpheous

iTrader: (9)

Needs to go on a test bed to do it right,you need to apply a load to check the output,Whats the symptons ? Why was it removed as you can check it on the vehicle...If your anywhere near to the West Mids i will do it for you :-)

wrxpablos

If you have a multimeter then connect it to the battery and turn on the engine. 14 volts is what you wanna read. but if it was not working then your battery light on the dash would stay on while the engine is running!! Pretty simple stuff.

morpheous

iTrader: (9)

Pretty simple stuff m8 as we all know ! But one problem he hasnt got a car to turn on

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Vice, drill, voltmeter and a battery maybe?

morpheous

iTrader: (9)

PMSL
Some good ideas but i think people are missing the point here....
The alternator is not fitted to a car,So requires bench testing most auto/elecrical engineers have means to test this correctly,Ali-B ive never tried it but would look injenious BUT how can you load the alternator to check AMP output under load ?

wrxpablos

run something electrical from it! (with a battery and fuses in the circuit fit a socket to the drill to fit pulley) 12v car stereo? what else is out the car? cigarette lighter?! The under load test in car should be done with everything on: lights, heater, rear window, wipers stereo etc.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Depends if you want a test to see if it simply works or not, or if it'll deliver its rated current.

It's usually safe to assume that if the alternator shows correct voltage regulation under a light load (i.e about 14volts), it'll deliver the current.

But if you feel the need, a few headlamp bulbs connected across the battery and an Ammeter in the lead going to the alternator

The only case is if there is a dead winding - and even, it can still work (just won't deliver its rated max amps) - you need to know its rated ouput specs at max rpm to and compare it....now THAT is a job for a proper dyno bench - and that job is for an alternator specailsts (not a garage)