testing voltage regulator

[Alberto Cordero]

The other day I was flying a friend to Bahamas and noticed a high charge on the battery meter and needle was erratic next thing I smelled burning looked and saw no charge I thought I lost the alternator belt. I then noticed the alternator circuit breaker had popped. I reset it and everything worked fine. My friend thinks it's a bad voltage regulator; anyone have any thought and an easy way to test the voltage regulator?

Thanks

C-35 Bo

[Brad Templin]

There is a real good discussion on regulator theory and troubleshooting here:

http://www.aeroelectric.com/Mfgr_Data/Regulators/Zeftronics/R15V00_Ford_Style_Reulator.pdf

I've tested them before using a variable voltage power supply to simulate alternator output and a test light on the field output.  It's real easy to see the light getting dimmer as you increase the voltage on the power supply. If it doesn't shut off around 14.3 - 14.7 volts, it's got a problem.

Brad