Reelmaster 3550--DPage 5 -- 14Electrical System
Electrical System Quick Checks
Battery Test (Open Circuit Test)
Use a multimeter to measure the voltage between the
battery terminals.
Set multimeter to the DC volts setting. The battery
should be a t a temperature of 60
o
to 100
o
F(16
o
to
38
o
C). The ignition key should be off and all accessories
turned off. Connect the positive (+) meter lead to the
positive battery post and the negative (--) m eter lead to
the negative battery post.
NOTE: This test provides a relative condition of the bat-
tery. Load testing of the battery will provide additional
andmoreaccurateinformation(seeBatteryServicein
the Service and Repairs section of this chapter).
Voltage Measured
Battery Charge Level
12.68 V (or higher) Fully charged (100%)
12.45 V 75% charged
12.24 V 50% charged
12.06 V 25% charged
11.89 V 0% charged
Charging System Test
This is a simple test used to determine if a charging sys-
tem is functioning. It will tell you if the charging system
has an output, but not its capacity.
Use a digital multimeter set to DC volts. Connect the
positive (+) multimeter lead to the positive battery post
and the negative (--) multimeter lead to the negative bat-
tery post. Keep the test leads connected to the battery
posts and record the battery voltage.
NOTE: Upon starting the engine, the battery voltage
will drop and then should increase once the engine is
running.
NOTE: Depending upon the condition of the battery
charge and battery temperature, the battery voltage will
increase at different rates as the battery charges.
Starttheengineandrunathighidle(3200 RPM). Allow
the battery to charge for at least three (3) minutes. Re-
cord the battery voltage.
After running the engine for at least three (3) minutes,
battery voltage should be at least 0.50 volt higher than
initial battery voltage.
An example of a charging system that is functioning:
At least 0.50 volt over initial battery voltage.
Initial Battery Voltage =12.30v
Battery Voltage after 3 Minute Charge =12.85v
Difference = +0.55 v
Glow Plug System Test
This is a fast, simple test that can help to determine the
integrity and operation of your Reelmaster glow plug
system. The t est should be run anytime hard starting
(cold engine) is encountered on a diesel engine
equippedwithaglowplugsystem.
Use a digital multimeter and/or inductive Ammeter (AC/
DC Current Transducer). Properly connect the ammeter
to the digital multimeter (refer to manufacturers’ instruc-
tions) and set the multimeter to the correct scale. With
the ignition switch in the OFF position, place the
ammeter pickup around the main glow plug power sup-
ply wire and read the meter prior to activating the glow
plug system. Adjust the meter to read zero (if applica-
ble). Activate the glow plug system by turning the igni-
tion switch to ON and record the multimeter results.
TheReelmasterglowplugsystemshouldhavearead-
ing of approximately nine (9) amps per glow plug (27
amps total). If low current reading is observed, one (or
more) of the glow plugs is faulty.
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