SOCKET 2128146 - Caterpillar

Charging System Components
Never operate the alternator without the battery in the circuit. Making or breaking an alternator connection with heavy load on the circuit can cause damage to the regulator.
Alternator
Illustration 7 g00292313
Alternator
(1) Regulator
(2) Roller bearing
(3) Stator winding
(4) Ball bearing
(5) Rectifier bridge
(6) Field winding
(7) Rotor assembly
(8) Fan The alternator is driven by the crankshaft pulley through a belt. When the engine is running, the pulley rotates the shaft inside the alternator. The rotor assembly is attached to the shaft. The rotor assembly has many magnetic poles. The magnetic poles are similar to fingers. An air space exists between each of the opposite poles. The poles have residual magnetism that produces a small amount of magnet-like lines of force (magnetic field). This magnetic field is produced between the poles. As the rotor assembly begins to turn between the field winding and the stator windings, a small amount of alternating current (AC) is produced in the stator windings. The alternating current is produced from the small magnetic lines of force that are created by the residual magnetism of the poles. The AC is changed into direct current (DC) when the current passes through the diodes of the rectifier bridge. Most of this current provides the battery charge and the supply for the low amperage circuit. The remainder of the current is sent to the field windings. The DC current flow through the field windings (wires around an iron core) increases the strength of the magnetic lines of force. These stronger magnetic lines of force increase the amount of AC that is produced in the stator windings. The increased speed of the rotor assembly also increases the current output of the alternator and the voltage output of the alternator.Regulator
Illustration 8 g00360155
Typical regulator assembly
The voltage regulator is a solid-state electronic switch. The voltage regulator senses the voltage of the system. The regulator then uses switches to control the current to the field windings. This controls the voltage output in order to meet the electrical demand of the system.Starting System Components
Solenoid
Illustration 9 g00292316
Typical solenoid schematic
A solenoid is an electromagnetic switch that performs two basic functions:
The solenoid closes the high current starting motor circuit with a low current start switch circuit.
The solenoid engages the starting motor pinion with the ring gear.The solenoid has windings (one set or two sets) around a hollow cylinder. A plunger with a spring load device is inside of the cylinder. The plunger can move forward and backward. When the start switch is closed and electricity is sent through the windings, a magnetic field is created. The magnetic field pulls the plunger forward in the cylinder. This moves the shift lever in order for the pinion drive gear to engage with the ring gear. The front end of the plunger then makes contact across the battery and across the motor terminals of the solenoid. The starting motor then begins to turn the flywheel of the engine.When the start switch is opened, current no longer flows through the windings. The spring now returns the plunger