I have put a continuity tester across the alternator where the big lead (+) connects, and to body of the alternator, and I have circuit, should I?

Cheers,

B

probably not. If it is a complete short however your fuses should blow. It is more likely that a circuit in your car that normally shuts off when your ignition is off, is not. ie a faulty switch.

You said in your last post that the battery is draining very quick, how new is the battery? It could be that the battery is not charging to its full capacity. A battery that is not used regularly will hold less charge over time.

[Edited on 5/4/08 by quinnj3]

Did you disconnect the alternator + from the wiring before trying the continuity tester ? If not, the short (if it is one) could be almost anywhere on the permanent battery live side.

Disconnect the heavy wire from the alternator + and try again. If you get a very low reading ie looks like short, try reversing the meter leads and if you find a high resistance the alternator may be ok. If you get the same low reading as before, the regulator and/or diodes are probably knacked

Edit

Oh just read your previous post. As above - with alternator disconnected measure twice, swapping meter leads. If same low reading both ways diodes probably gone.

[Edited on 5/4/08 by Macbeast]

I had all of the leads disconnected from the alternator when I tried the continuity test.
When I had disconnected the alternator, I then found that I had no circuit when I tested for continuity across the battery leads.

I checked two alternators yesterday with meter on Ohms range. Both showed about 600 Ohms one way and infinity with the leads round the other way. This is what I would expect if there are diodes inside.

TBH a "continuity" tester doesn't tell you much - it probably wouldn't distinguish between 0 Ohms (could be bad) and 600 Ohms (could be good)