Generator Cycling

[1993]

Is it normal for the generator to cycle on/off for the first few minutes after starting?
The voltage arrow jumps up and down while this is happening.

Also, How tight should the belts be to the generator?
I don't have a tensioner so I do a thumb test(push down on the belts midspan).
they seem to be pretty tight but still look sloppy with engine running.
Belts are brand new.

 

[patracy]

It's not the generator. It's the glowplugs cycling on and off for afterglow.

 

[1 Patriot-of-many]

From what I've read, slop is normal.

 

[86humv]

All v belt trucks have belt flap.
If you try and get them to not flap, then your to tight and it will screw up something.

 

[SublimeMudTime]

Slop is normal in the belts. What is most important is just like a car, watch for cracks...
The volt meter behavior is normal for a KDS glow plug controller. Then length of time it does that bounce is dependent on the warmth of the engine.

See this thread I started: http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?147891-Alternator-issue&highlight=

 

[86humv]

Other reasons for excessive slop....
Gen bracket cracked
Rear gen bracket lose, missing, or cracked.
Ear on gen cracked.