Can you hook up a new regulator to an alternator without actually attaching it the alternator?

Yes, it is possible to connect a new voltage regulator to an alternator without physically mounting it to the alternator. This can be done to test the regulator or to troubleshoot charging issues.

To connect the regulator, you will need to identify the following wires:

1. Field Terminal: This is usually marked "F" or "FLD" and is typically a small wire.

2. Sense Terminal: This is usually marked "S" or "SNS" and is typically a small wire.

3. Ground Terminal: This is usually marked "G" or "-" and is typically a larger wire.

4. Battery Terminal: This is usually marked "B" or "+" and is typically a large wire.

Once you have identified the wires, you can connect the regulator as follows:

1. Connect the Field Terminal to the field terminal on the alternator.

2. Connect the Sense Terminal to the sense terminal on the alternator.

3. Connect the Ground Terminal to a ground point on the vehicle's chassis.

4. Connect the Battery Terminal to the positive terminal of the vehicle's battery.

5. Switch on the ignition to power the regulator.

6. Check the output voltage of the alternator. It should be between 13.8 and 14.4 volts at idle.

If the voltage output is not within the specified range, you may need to adjust the voltage regulator or replace it.