Hi,
What is the best way to test if the generator is charging?
Should the car still continue to fire if the battery leads are disconnected(whilst idling), like the alternator.
Thanks

Lifting a battery lead off with the motor running is the easiest way to test a generator, it may not be the best but it is easy. A multimeter is a better way of testing but if you just want to find out if a generator works just lift the battery terminal. Just make sure you do not blow up the battery.
The generator may not produce enough charge at idle to run the motor so you may have to hold a bit of throttle.

You should never do this with an alternator. It can kill it.

Never disconnect the battery of a car when the engine is running regardless it having a Genny or an Alternator. Hook up a Volt meter across the battery, Disconnect the smaller of the two wires on the generator (Field), start the engine up and connect a wire with a positive feed from the positive side of the starter solenoid momentarily to the F terminal on the Genny and get some one to see if the battery voltage goes up when you rev the engine slightly. If it does not go up +Genny faulty if it does you might have a cutout/Regulator problem. Disconnecting the battery on a Generator system may sometimes cause the cutout points to weld themselves together. If you are not sure of what you are doing take it to someone who knows what thye are doing, it might be cheaper on the long run.

I agree with not disconnecting the battery but a quick easy way is to wait until dark (now) start the car and switch on the headlights at idle. Then rev the engine to about 3000. The headlights should become brighter is the genny is working.

Doesnt tell you how well its working but it does tell you if it is or if its not.

Easiest way is to connect a multimeter set on volts across the battery , then get someone to start the car and watch the meter to see if the voltage rises . If it doesn't , you have a problem , it should go up to something like 13.5 volts , if you rev the motor a bit ....cheers

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1965 Morris 850
1966 Morris Mini Minor
1967 Morris Cooper 'S'
1977 Leyland LS