[shark]

I saved this from somewhere: God luck -- Sharkey

> "One Simple Battery Test:
>
>
> 1) Connect the voltmeter directly across the "Battery Terminals".
(NOT to the Cable Clamps)
>
> 2) While watching the meter, Start the Car.
>
> 3) The Battery Voltage should Never fall below about 10 Volts.
> If it does:
> a) The battery is either "Low in Charge".
>
> b) Or The Battery is "Low in Water".
> (The water level in the battery should be about 1/4 of an inch,
Above the Plates.)
> "DO NOT" Fill it up FULL.
>
> c) Or The battery has a "High Internal Resistance".
> (Possibly Sulfided Plates and probably Time for New Battery?)
>
>
>
> **NOW Repeat This Test BUT:
>
> 1) Connect the voltmeter directly across the "Battery Clamps on the
Battery Cables".
>
> 2) This Reading should be Within 0.1 Volt Maximum, the Same as 3
Above.
> ***If NOT, Clean Battery Terminals and Clamps.
>
> 2a)If Necessary, Repeat Test to Verify it is now OK.
>
>
> **NOW Repeat This Test Again, BUT:
>
> 1) Connect the Voltmeter Directly Across the Positive Terminal of
the Starter and it Case Ground.
>
> 2) If the voltmeter reading is More than 1/2 Volts Lower than the
Previous Test,
> ** You Probably have a Cable or Connection Problem!
> Check the Connections between the Cable and the Cable Connectors.
ON BOTH ENDS.
>
>
> One Very Simple Alternator Test:
>
>
> 1) Start Car and run at a normal idle.
>
> 2) Connect a Voltmeter Directly Across the battery Terminals.
>
> 3) Turn on Headlights to High Beam.
>
> 4) check the battery Voltage.
> *** The Battery voltage Should read between about 13.8 to 14.2
volts. (Possibly up to 14.5 Volts.)
>
> 5) Increase motor speed to about 1500 RPM. The Alternator should
now produce a battery voltage between 14.2 and 14.6
> Volts.
> *** If it is Lower than 14.2 volts, the Alternator probably has one
or more Bad Diodes.
>
> 6) Now, Maintain the 1500 RPM and Turn off the Headlights. Run this
test for One Full Minute.
> "The Battery Voltage should NEVER Exceed about 14.8 Volts".
> ***If it Does, the Alternators Voltage Regulator is probably
Faulty, OVER CHARGING the Battery.