[AT] How do I test a Generator?

[drupert at seanet.com]

Ben,

You've gotten some good replies already but let me add one more in
response to your' sepcific question "Is there a good way to know if it is
at least giving some power?"

The answer is "yes" there is a good (and easy) way.  If you have a Two
Wire/Terminal Generator then one Terminal will most likely be marked with
an "F" and the other with an "A" or an "O."  Disconnect the wires to these
two Terminals and connect a good ground to the "F" Terminal and an ammeter
across the "A/O" Terminal and ground.  If, with the generator spinning, 
current is observed flowing through the meter then the generator is
outputting at least some power (maybe not as much as it should).  If no
current is observed then the generator needs repaired, if feasible, or
else replaced.  Once the condition of the generator is established then
the wiring and regulator could be looked at.

Dudley -
Snohomish, Washington