Associated 8600 1/2 HP User manual

1
ASSOCIATED
ALTERNATOR - STARTER TESTER
Model 8600 1/2 HP
8601 1 HP
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. This manual contains important safety and operating instructions for the
alternator/starter tester you have purchased. You may need to refer to these instructions at a later date.
CAUTION: THE WEIGHT OF THE INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS AND/OR THE ASSEMBLED UNIT MAY EXCEED
THE SAFE LIMIT THAT MAY BE LIFTED BY ONE INDIVIDUAL. EXTREME CARE SHOULD BE
EXERCISED WHEN HANDLING THIS MACHINE !
a) Always wear safety glasses while conducting tests. Foreign matter in the device being tested may fly out at high
speed and cause personal injury.
b) Keep fingers, loose clothing, ties, etc. away from the “V” belt drive components, rotating pulleys, fans, and starter drive
mechanisms.
c) Make sure the device under test is mechanically secure prior to the start of testing.
d) Keep one hand on the vise knob to stabilize the unit under test and the other hand on the test switch.
e) Use only a properly grounded, 20 AMP., 120 VAC, 60 Hz. dedicated receptacle. Wire supplying power to this
receptacle should be no smaller than 12AWG. CAUTION - Do not remove the ground prong from the line cord as
you are defeating a safety feature. Removing the ground prong could cause a harmful shock.
f) Use of an extension cord is not recommended. Tester performance may be degraded and it may also cause serious
internal heating in the machine.
g) Do not use outdoors, near flammable materials, or with extension cords. Use good judgement whenever operating
any electrical appliance.
h) Replace frayed or worn power cords and operate only in dry areas.
I) Keep away from children.
j) It is of the utmost importance that this test equipment be used only by a qualified, trained operator.
INTRODUCTION
Your test bench is designed and manufactured to provide you with a state of the art, quality, accurate, sturdy piece of
equipment, and is intended to quickly and easily determine the condition of Starters and both internal and external
regulated Alternators.
The test bench is completely self contained and does not require the use of external automotive type batteries. This
feature alone results in customer convenience, safety, and overall reduced operating cost. The only requirement is that
the test bench be plugged into a dedicated 120 VAC, 60 Hz. receptacle. It is suggested that the wire to the receptacle be
no smaller than #12 AWG.
Some older buildings may require new wiring to be installed for your tester; consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure
of your wiring. It is also suggested that the tester be protected with a 20 amp. breaker or fuse. If your service is fused, it
should be of the slow blow type.
To prevent the possible ignition of fuel fumes found in some shops, and to aid in operator convenience and safety, the
tester must be operated at a minimum of 18 inches above the shop floor. The test bench can be conveniently operated on
a counter to demonstrate to the customer the conditions of his electrical device.

2
SPECIFICATIONS
Cabinet Dimensions:
Height: 17 inches Width: 14 inches Depth: 28 inches
ShippingWeight ........................ 108 Lbs..
Line Under voltage Alarm Point ............. 90VAC
StarterCurrentAvailable ................350 Amps.
Alternator Load .......................... 8Amps
MotorHP ..... ½HP(1HPOptional) Continuous Duty
MotorProtection ......AutomaticResetCircuitBreaker
Power Requirements ......120 VAC, 60 Hz., 20 Amps
Additional Features:
a) A sturdy, oversized “V” block with an easily
adjustable cast aluminum vise holds both
Alternators and Starters firmly and safely in
place during testing.
b) Slim-line design, heavy gauge steel cabinet and
base. Only 14 inches wide to maximize usable
bench top work space. Modular construction.
c) Constant voltage, current regulated solid-state
power supply with overload protection. A solid-
state voltage regulator correctly simulates actual
vehicle voltage conditions. No contacts to burn
or to wear out.
d) A ½ HP (1 HP Optional) continuous duty
industrial motor - clockwise or counter clockwise
rotation, automatic reset circuit breaker
protected.
Control Function Descriptions
Starter Test Switch - Used to energize Starters.
Power - On/Off Switch - Main power switch. Used to
turn on the unit; allows all tests to be performed.
Drive Motor Switch - Activates drive motor - Press
switch up for clockwise (CW) rotation units, down for
counter-clockwise (CCW) rotation units. Note: Most
Alternators will operate correctly in either direction.
Volt-Amp. Meter - In VOLTS mode indicates the
charging voltage (under load) of the Alternator or the
Generator (if so equipped with optional Generator Test
Lead Module). The VOLTS mode indicates alternator
DC output voltage; the AMPS mode shows starter free
running amperage draw. Unit automatically selects the
mode needed (VOLTS/AMPS).
Stator-Relay LED - Indicates proper operation of stator
or relay output terminal (if Alternator is so equipped).
LED brilliance may vary from alternator to alternator.
Alternator LED - Functions the same as the Alternator
lamp in the vehicle.
Trio LED - This LED is used primarily with the Delco 1-2
plug and other Alternators with internal regulators -
disregard it on all other types of Alternators.
Diode LED - When the LED is on, reject the Alternator.
Illumination is caused by excess ripple (AC).
Safety Interlock Switch - This safety switch is
controlled by the belt guard position. When the belt
guard is up, the Drive Motor Switch is inoperative.
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ATTEMPT
TO BYPASS THE OPERATION OF THIS INTERLOCK
!!
Fuse - This fuse is for the DC Alternator current supply.
Replace only with a 15 Amp. fuse (AGC-15). Failure to
replace it with the correct fuse may cause damage to the
tester and will void factory warranty.
Voltage Switch - Switch up for Alternators being tested
at 12 volts. Switch down for Alternators being tested at
24 volts. (This switch applies to Alternator/Generator
voltages only.)
Generator testing is done in the same manner if
equipped with an optional Generator Test Lead Module.
6 Volt Generators are tested in the 12 Volt mode by
dividing the voltage reading in half to give the operator a
correct reading.
Short/Low Voltage LED - If the LED turns on and an
audible alarm sounds the Alternator is either shorted or
the hook up is incorrect, thus causing a short circuit in
the battery or the field circuit. If the LED turns on and an
audible alarm sounds when testing Starters, the starter
is either shorted or the power line voltage to the test
bench is too low to perform a valid test
Ignition LED - Indicates proper operation of the auto
ignition system while starting. (Applicable on solenoids
having this terminal connection.)
A-B Switch - Switch up for “A” circuit - Switch down for
“B” circuit. Consult the operating instructions for proper
position.
Lead Socket - Socket for the Universal Lead Set of
Alternator test wires (For the Generator Test Lead
Module as well, if so equipped.)

3
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: THE WEIGHT OF THE INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS AND/OR THE ASSEMBLED UNIT MAY EXCEED
THE SAFE LIMIT THAT MAY BE LIFTED BY ONE INDIVIDUAL. EXTREME CARE SHOULD BE
EXERCISED WHEN HANDLING THIS MACHINE !
a) Attach the plastic handle to the outside of the upper belt guard with the self tapping screw.
b) Thread the vise handle onto the vise.
c) The upper guard interlock trip rod may need to be adjusted. Loosen the two (2) jam nuts on the interlock trip rod and
adjust the rod so that it trips the interlock switch just prior to the guard being in the DOWN position. Once the
adjustment is made, tighten the jam nuts to secure the trip rod in place. To test the operation of the interlock, listen
carefully as the guard is lowered. A faint "click" should be heard just before the guard is in the DOWN position,
indicating that the trip rod has tripped the switch.
d) Plug the Universal Test Lead Set into the front panel. Read this manual completely before attempting to operate this
machine. This will insure years of trouble free operation and insure operator safety.
e) In the event of hidden shipping damage, contact the carrier immediately. Do not discard the packaging materials -
save them for the carrier’s inspection.
INSTALLATION
a) Once you have the tester assembled, it is very important to install your machine in the following manner:
b) The tester must be placed on a sturdy work bench or counter that is larger than the base of the tester.
c) The tester must be plugged into a dedicated 120 VAC, 60 Hz., GROUNDED wall receptacle. It is suggested that the
supply wire to the outlet be no smaller than #12 AWG and be as close to the circuit breaker panel or fuse box as
possible. It is also suggested that if fuses are used, that the fuse be of a 20 Amp. slow blow type.
Use of an extension cord may degrade the performance of the tester and is not recommended. It may also cause
serious internal heating in the machine.
d) For safety reasons and ease of operation, the tester should be placed on a sturdy work bench or counter top.
WARNING: This equipment, or the equipment that it is testing, may produce arcing or emit
sparks. Locate this device a minimum of 18 inches above the floor.
Do not use outdoors or near flammable material.
This device employs rotating machinery. Do not operate it while wearing loose clothing or
apparel that may become entangled, such as neckties.
OPERATION
WARNING: Attempting to test a generator without using the optional generator test module may cause damage
to the internal electronics of this tester.
NOTE: The A/B switch must be properly positioned for alternators and generators. Normally alternators should
be tested with the switch in the "B" circuit.
Operating Procedures - Alternators:
a) Mount the Alternator in the vise using the bar to secure the lower end to the vise. Secure the top portion of the
alternator with the hold down arm attached to the vise handle.
b) Line up the motor and the Alternator pulleys by moving the vise to the left or to the right. Tighten the vise to the base
with the hold-down screws.
c) Push the vise handle forward; attach the V-Belt and release the vise slowly.
d) For Negative ground units, connect the large Black clamp (Ground) to the ground (GRD) terminal, or to the frame of
the Alternator being tested.
e) For Negative ground units connect the small Red lead wire (Batt) to the terminal of the Alternator marked “BATT” or
“Output”.
NOTE: On Positive ground units, the small Red lead and the large Black clamp are reversed.

4
f) Connect the small Green lead (FIELD) to the terminal marked "F", "FLD", or "FIELD" on alternators so equipped.
g) Connect the small Yellow lead wire (Stator-Relay) to the terminal marked “STA” or “R” on Alternators so equipped.
h) Set the program switches for 12 volt or 24 volt depending upon the output voltage of the device under test.
I) Grasp the vice handle with one hand to steady the alternator and apply additional tension to the drive belt.
ALTERNATOR TEST SEQUENCE:
Test #1-
If the SHORT/LOW VOLTAGE LED turns on and an audible alarm sounds, the alternator is either shorted or the
hook-up is incorrect, thus causing a short circuit in the battery or the field circuit.
Check the hook-up. If it is correct, reject the alternator.
Test #2-
Turn on the motor switch for the desired rotation direction. At this point, the unit is rotating with a load applied. It
should start up quickly, If the motor stalls or a bearing noise is noticed, do not proceed. The Alternator under test
has mechanical problems and should be rejected.
Test #3-
Observe the Volt-Meter.
- 12 Volt Alternators will indicate an operating voltage between 13.8 to 15.5 volts.
- 24 volt Alternators will indicate an operating voltage between 26.5 to 30.0 volts.
Test #4-
Observe the Diode LED. This LED should not be lit. If the LED is on, the Alternator is defective.
Test #5-
Observe the Stator/Relay LED - the LED should be on with Alternators having this feature and the Stator-Relay lead
connected.
Delcotrons and other internally regulated alternators using the 1-2 plug:
- The Diode Trio LED should be on when the alternator is electrically connected to the 1-2 plug, but is not rotating.
Once the unit is under test and rotating, should the LED remain on, reject the alternator.
- On all other Alternators this LED will be off.
Chrysler Isolated Field Alternator:
- This type of Alternator has 2 insulated field terminals. To test this type of Alternator, ground one of the field
terminals and connect the small Green (FLD) field lead (“FLD”) to the other terminal. Then proceed to test as a
regular Alternator.
GENERATORS:
WARNING: Attempting to test a generator without using the optional Generator Test Module may cause
damage to the internal electronics of this tester !
OPERATING PROCEDURES - STARTERS:
a) Mount the Starter in the vise and secure it with the hold down clamp.
b) Connect the large Black Negative (-Neg) battery clamp to a good ground connection on the Starter.
c) Connect the large Red Positive (+Pos) battery clamp to the battery post of the solenoid or starter under test.
d) On Solenoid equipped Starters, connect the short lead from the large Red battery clamp to the Solenoid Switch
Terminal (SW). If this lead is not used, be sure it is not contacting ground.
e) On ignition terminal (R) equipped solenoids, connect the ignition clip (small Blue wire) to the terminal. The Ignition
LED should come on when this type of starter is being tested.

5
f) Hold the Starter Test Switch; the Starter should engage and spin up. Observe the meter reading.
Check the no-load current draw against the published starter specifications. Do not over rev the Starter. Limit the
test to 2 seconds to allow time for the meter to stabilize and indicate the condition of the Starter. The meter should
initially read low and then ramp up to the current indicated in the specifications.
g) If the LOW VOLTAGE LED turns on and an audible alarm is detected, the starter is either shorted or the power line
voltage to the test bench is too low to perform a valid test.
Should you suspect low supply voltage, have it checked by a qualified electrician. Use of an extension cord may also
cause the supply voltage to the test bench to be too low.
TYPICAL TEST SPECIFICATIONS:
ALTERNATORS:
Output Voltage:
12 Volt Alternators 13.8 to 15.5 Volts
24 Volt Alternators 26.5 to 30.0 Volts
Tester LEDs: DIODE Off
TRIO Off
ALT. OFF or on low
STATOR* May Be ON
*Only if Yellow Clip or DN Plug
Connected
Note: For some alternators, the TRIO or the ALT. LED
may light when the alternator is connected, but not
rotating.
OTHER ALTERNATOR SPECIFICATIONS:
For other Alternator specifications, refer to the OEM or
rebuilder's published specifications.
STARTERS:
Delco Passenger with Solenoid:
5 MT 70 to 100 Amps.
10 MT 100 to 125 Amps.
Delco Passenger w/o Solenoid: 7 to 100 Amps.
Ford With Solenoid: 100 to 125 Amps.
Ford Without Solenoid: 60 to 90 Amps.
Chrysler Gear Reduction: 70 to 125 Amps.
Solenoids With Ignition Terminal (R): Ignition LED
should be on.
Other Starter Specifications: For other starter
specifications, refer to the OEM or rebuilder's published
specifications.
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY MAINTENANCE BEFORE UNPLUGGING THE LINE PLUG
FROM THE POWER RECEPTACLE!
a) Extreme care should be taken not break any components or wire leads when doing any maintenance to the unit.
b) Test leads can be cleaned and kept in a like new condition by cleaning them with petroleum jelly.
c) The Test Bench has been designed for a long life of trouble free service and requires only the minimum amount of
maintenance to assure many years of dependable service. Good housekeeping techniques will insure dependability.
The meter lens can be cleaned with a damp, clean rag utilizing a mild dish washing detergent/water solution. The
case can be cleaned with a furniture grade spray wax.
d) The motor should be lubricated once a year with a few drops of light oil. Some testers may be supplied with sealed
“Oilite” bushings and in this case, no lubrication is required.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
BEFORE YOU CALL FOR SERVICE, PROCEED WITH THE FOLLOWING TESTS. This tester is designed so that many
functional tests may be made without the need for additional test equipment. If a portion of the tester appears to
malfunction, proceed according to the following chart. For purposes of this guide, the Bench Tester may be divided into
two sections:
POWER PANEL SECTION - The left hand portion above the belt guard containing the On/Off Switches, etc.
METER PANEL SECTION - The larger right hand portion containing the meter, A/B switch, etc.
WARNING: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE UNIT BE DISASSEMBLED WITH THE UNIT PLUG TO
THE WALL RECEPTACLE.
PROBLEM TEST POSSIBLE CAUSE