Is this alternator correct?

[Donnie]

Hmm...Why can't one test it electrically, with a continuity tester/Ohm meter without opening the case?

It can be tested with a meter, but he said that he was a novice & unsure of what he was into. So I suggested the removal of the rear case , reset the brushes, that is what the small hole is for. 5 minutes, a 3" piece of wire, done...Faster than I could explain the Fluke meter process...........Donnie

[SafeAirOne]

It can be tested with a meter, but he said that he was a novice & unsure of what he was into. So I suggested the removal of the rear case , reset the brushes, that is what the small hole is for. 5 minutes, a 3" piece of wire, done...Faster than I could explain the Fluke meter process...........Donnie

Makes sense.

[futurafalcon]

I didn't open the alternator wider than 5mm (1/4 inch) only at one corner to clear a casting. (I incorrectly converted from metric to imperial when I said 1/2 inch in a previous post)

I found this excellent you tube video on reclocking an alternator.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyIhzUyIXW0

Based on that video I feel pretty comfortable cracking the alternator and checking the position of the brushes. The one thing that confused me is hole on the back of the 10si alternator (see picture) looks blocked, while the alternator in the video has a hole that is 'usable' when the alternator is open or closed.

Anyways, I think I'm fine but I might take it down to my friendly neighbourhood specialty shop for a test if I don't open it up myself.