SECTION 11 - ELECTRICAL
11.1 TOOLS
There are some specialized tools and test equipment that are needed for electrical repair work. A brief description of these follows.
Long or needle nose pliers - used to connect or bend wires and connectors in close quarters.
Diagonal cutters - used to cut wires or trim connec- tions.
Wire stripper/crimping tool - available separately or as a combination tool. Used to strip insulation from wires of various sizes, crimp terminals and connector or wires.
Soldering gun or soldering iron - used to solder all splices and connections to terminals, connector, etc. A soldering gun is faster and more convenient that waiting for a soldering iron to heat.
Multimeter - analog or digital, to measure voltage, amperage and ohms.
Tachometer - used to measure engine speed. Required to properly test alternator and charging circuits where output is dependent upon engine speed. Heat gun - used to shrink insulated tubing in place. Used to replace electrical tape or insulated sleeving. To use, place a piece of shrink tubing over a wire joint, heat with the heat gun, until it shrinks slightly around the joint.
Supplies - electrical tape, rosin core solder (never use acid or acid core solder on electrical joints), an assortment of various size terminals, connectors, insulated or heat shrink tubing (for use on joints and connections), and an assortment of automotive type wire (in several colors).
Ariens Company recommends that all work be done in a professional manner. The use of the tubing to cover joints and the soldering of connections contribute to a professional looking job. In addition to a pleasing appearance, repairs made in this manner are more likely to withstand vibration. (The weakest points in an electrical system are the joints where wires are attached.)
Replace all defective components with Ariens replacement parts only. Engine parts, such as rectifiers or alternator components should be secured through the nearest engine service center.
Ariens Company does not recommend attempting to repair electrical components. Most do not lend themselves to repair and you would have more money invested in "time of repair" than the part would cost and the results may not be as good.
11.2 ELECTRICAL MEASUREMENTS
In many electrical circuits, there is some visible effect which indicates that the circuit is functioning properly. A switch is turned "ON" and a lamp lights. A key is turned, a starter motor runs and cranks the engine.
If the lamp does not light, or the starter motor does not run, some means of measuring voltage, current flow, resistance and continuity is needed, (continuity means there is a complete electrical path through the circuit or component.)
To know exactly what conditions exist in an electrical circuit requires AC and DC voltmeter, AC and DC ammeter, and an ohmmeter.
Multimeter
A single combination meter that does all of these things is available. Such a meter is called a multimeter or volt-
Analog Meters
Analog Meters have a needle that moves across a scale to give a reading. The longer the scale, the easier it is to read and more accurate the reading will be. A jeweled movement is used in this type of meter is more likely to be damaged through rough handling (except for overloaded protected meters) or by measuring high values that exceed the range set on the meter than a digital meter. They provide excellent service for the money as long as they are used with care.
Digital Meters
Digital Meters do not have a movement and are therefore more rugged. The reading shows up directly on a display window of some type. Since they read direct, no skill in reading the scale is required, nor is it necessary to set the range. The meter switches the ranges automatically. One has only to select the function DC volts, AC ampere, ohms, etc.,) connect the test leads, and the reading is shown on the display. Because of the internal circuitry and the lack of a movement, these meters are not likely to be damaged by overloads.
In the discussions that follow, either type of meter may be used. Test procedures are the same. It is best to learn proper procedures, even though some meters may be more forgiving of mistakes. Where differences in use may occur, they will be covered in the discus- sion.
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