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ok...hmm....what are the chances that o'rileys is wrong and my alt. is bad?? he told me that it was good and putting out 12.something volts, almost 13....he didn't mention amps, could that have any relevance?

chiltons said its supposed to be 13.9-15.1 volts and 60 amps, is that right? why does the volt range vary, upon what conditions? and if it is putting out 13 when it needs at least 14 it sounds like that could be the problem, its charging enough to run but not enough to start back up or maintain a charge, my radio wont evan stay on for more than 30 sec. when it is running......

replace alt. despite what 'handy dude' said?

sucks, i already re-instaled it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />


it should read 13.6 and up. Anything below is not enough. If the clerk tested the truck with a dead batt the alt may not put out as much 'cause of the batt. When testing the alt make sure the batt is fully charge and the voltage reading is at least 13.6. If under 13.6 it is not charging enough. Advance AP has a good roll out machine that is capable of reading voltage-amperage and the condition of the diode. You have to be able to run the engine at a constant 2k rpm for one of the tests. It does sound like the alt is not putting out enough. Make sure you bolt down that batt, so you don't have to invest in a new one again.