On Thu, 4 May 2017 07:34:13 -0400, "Jim Wilkins"
wrote:

"David Lesher" wrote in message
news
Larry Jaques writes:


Yeah, headlights were an easy test for a charging system, too.
Start
it up, remove a battery cable, then turn on the brights. The engine
will die if the charging system isn't working properly.

Please do not do this on any system with any electronics.
Google up "load dump" and see why.

http://www2.advantech.com.tw/eservic...plications.pdf

DC clamp-on ammeters are cheaper than replacing the vehicle
electronics. This one can handle from milliAmp parasitic drain to 100A
charging current, but not starter current, even on my riding mower.
The 400A DC clamp-on probe I use to measure that is no longer
available.
https://www.amazon.com/Uni-T-B4Q094-.../dp/B00O1Q2HOQ

These can show that the charging system is alive, at least:
http://www.stuttgartperformanceengin...veammater.html
-jsw

A very sizeable percentage odf staters today draw less than 100 amps
(permanent magnet geared starters aften draw 75 amps or less)