Alternator??? V-REG???

[orange240z]

What's the deal w/ the alt / v-reg / amp meter in the 73 240 Z?

Here's the problem: Car runs fine if the battery is charged up. Disconnect the battery and it dies. I disconnected the main wire on the alternator (the one with an 8mm nut) and put a v-meter on it and grounded it. Only measured about 4.5 volts. I would expect that I could test my alternator like that, but I may be wrong. Is there any way you can test an alternator w/ a volt meter? Or do I need to go to a shop that has more avanced equip?

Also, where is the amp meter in the car supposed to sit when it's running? It is the one that shows -60 and +60 amps.

I do a lot of work on VWs and just got this Z. The alt. is way down low and I have an AC comp. above it. Do I need to move the a/c out of the way to get to the alt? I didn't really even see a tightening method on the alt either...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Here's the car...

<img src=http://www.batho.com/240z.jpg>

[beandip]

Take it in and have the alt . checked sounds like that is the prob . but get it checked . could also be the regulater. one or the other or both. I think that it is terminal and you should sell the beauty to me !! Great looking Z

[Mike]

Originally posted by orange240z

Here's the car...

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[m]

[carguyinok]

From where you tested you should be seeing around 13 - 14 volts. The mounting for the alt is easy. Make sure you disconnect the batt first then go for the wires on the alt. There are two bolts one long bolt that is on the lower side (into block) get that loose first. Then the top bolt is on a slide bar short bolt. Get that loose then push the alt. It should move easy the belt will go loose then pulling the top bolt out then the lower. This can be done from under the car. Easy easy easy with working on VWs this should be cake for you.