WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE OUTPUT DIRECTLY TAKEN FROM THE ALTERNATOR TO GROUND?

1970 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
85,000 MILES
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BRUNO54
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I MEASURED THE VOLTAGE FROM THE GENERATOR TO GROUND AND GOT 0v DC. I PUT AN AMP METER BETWEEN THE ALTERNATOR + CABLE AND THE + CONNECTION ON THE ALTERNATOR AND GOT 0 AMPS DC. WITH THE CAR RUNNING I REMOVED THE + BATTERY CABLE AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. I SUSPECT THE ALTERNATOR IS NG AND THE CAR IS RUNNING OFF THE CHARGED BATTERY.
Oct 15, 2011 at 9:11 PM
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HMAC300
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sounds like it. it shoudl be in the 13.7-14 volt range and depends on the alternator for amps. if you take it off most auto parts stores can check it right on the bench. Make sure you rbattery is in good shape though if it isn't it can make an alternator not put out.
Oct 15, 2011 at 9:24 PM
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MIKE H R
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It also might be the voltage regulator. On 1967 to 1974 they had external regulators mounted under the rear seat on the drivers side. You might find out that will most likely be the cause before the altinator.
Oct 16, 2011 at 4:32 PM
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MIKE H R
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The regulator may be grounding all the voltage the altinator is putting out.
Oct 16, 2011 at 4:36 PM