Alternator/generator voltage ajustment.

[Auzziemutt]

I don't know if my A2 has an alternator or generator and apart from being big and round I can't really describe it to anyone except on the right hand edge it has a hole in the body and an arrow pointing counter clockwise and the words INCREASE VOLTAGE. With the engine running the gauge marked BATTERY GENERATOR always reads fully charging, right over to the right in the red segment. This doesn't seem right, can I adjust the output with a screwdriver in the hole described earlier. I'm used to having a voltage regulator in a black tin box somewhere , I'm old. My batteries are one new and one good. Help once more please.

[rickf]

Never go completely by the dash gauge since they are known to be inaccurate. They are there mainly to let you know there may be a problem and then you need to follow up with real instruments. So get a real meter and see what the voltage at the batteries is with it running, it should be close to 28 volts. If above that then the dash gauge is accurate and you will need to adjust the voltage regulator. And what you will have on an A2 is a 60 amp 24 volt alternator. Do a Google search for "DA_Pamphlet_750-33". I have the file but I don't know how I would get it to you. I think it is too big to email. It will have all of the procedures you need for troubleshooting the alternator.

[Mark]

I'd put a voltmeter on the batteries to read the voltage, 28volts, approximately which shows the charging voltage,2 volts per battery.This lets you know the charging system is working, more or less, use the slot to adjust.The TM-20 has a brief description

[muttguru]

Auzziemutt,
when you've made sure that the batteries are in good condition, check the voltage using a multimeter when the engine is running. If the voltage is too high or too low, use the tool as described below to adjust the alternator output.
Ken

[SturmTyger380]

My voltage/battery gauge one moment will be in the green zone and then drift up to the red zone. Not believing it I connected a multi meter to the lines. It never gets above 28 volts. It will vary some depending on engine speed and other things that can be using power. The gauges are just not precision instruments. Most GI's don't care either.

[Auzziemutt]

Thank you men, I checked the output with the motor running and it read 28.4 volts and that's close enough for me. It just didn't look right with the needle reading almost off the gauge .

[rickf]

I have always said that the only truly accurate military instruments are gunsights and soldiers brains.

[Gettysburg63]

I will add one more thing. You did not mention taking a plug out of that hole to adjust your voltage. Get the proper size pipe plug with a recessed head for an Allen wrench. That hole leads right down to some electronics that will not like liquid debris falling on it. Kevin.

[Auzziemutt]

Gettysburg, I have wondered about that for a long time. Best I get something to plug it up. Thanks.