Paul :
They should be the same thing, within reason (and within the accuracy of
the dash voltmeter). The voltage at the voltmeter will be very slightly
lower than either the alternator output or the battery voltage, due to
the voltage drop in the wiring. But, the difference should be no more
than a few 1/10 of a volt, too small to read on the voltmeter.
Randall
Paul Mitchell wrote:
>
> I am trying to diagnose my alternator problem on my 74 TR6. It is a
> Lucas alternator, which does worry me a bit, but I suppose the fact that
> it's lasted this long is a bonus! I have found Dan Masters' contribution
> to VTR on the subject very useful, but I do have one question:
> What does the voltmeter in the car show? Is it the voltage across the
> battery terminals, or the output of the alternator, or should they be
> the same thing?
>
> TIA
>
> Paul
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