alternator issues

[rob]

----- Original Message ----- 
> Subject: RE: alternator issues

 It could be that the field connection to the alternator is faulty.

Most alternators have enough residual magnetism that they will 'self-excite' 
the field windings once they reach certain rpm's, and voila - charge.

 concersning testing current draw at rest, there is a problem with central 
locking etc which will spike a large current on initial connection, maybe 
how you blew a fuse in the meter. What I do is loosen the earth terminal 
connection and with one probe on the battery terminal and another on the 
earth strap, then disconnect earth strap from buttery terminal.