capicitor question

[rodney]

the caps with the voltage monitor built on, is it reading the voltage of the cap, or the voltage of the battery?

[Kim]

The static volrtage reading on the cap can be measuring the voltage present on both the battery and the capacitor. The battery and alternator has to charge the capacitor. The only way to measure the voltage present at the stiffening cap ( if you are checking for a bad or faulty capacitor ) is to remove the positive cable connecting the stiffening capacitor to the battery. With no load present the capacitor should maintain a constant static voltage for quite some time. If you need to discharge the cap make sure to use the bleeder resistor that came supplied with the cap. Hope this helps.

Thanks,
Kim

[CPHILHOWER]

A 12v Test Light works just as well. And is Safer. Takes a little longer but you dont have to deal with the HOT Resistor. The Bulb is the Resistor. Can be used for Charging and Discharging caps.
Chris