[6pack] Alternator--'75 Tr-6

[wcwellbaum at cox.net]

An electronic diagnostic check of my charging system showed an very weak 
battery and a bad diode in the alternator.  The 11 year old battery was 
replaced two weeks ago and sat on a battery tender until yesterday. A
  rebuilt alternator was installed yesterday--by me. Unplug the old and 
plug in the new. The car fired immediately with a fresh battery and the 
voltmeter showed the system charging at 13 volts. However, my multimeter 
showed the battery at 12 .6 volts regardless of engine speed.  I loaded 
up the system with headlights and fan and could not see any difference 
in the rate of charge.  12.6 volts flat--regardless of engine speed. 
Drove it a few miles and checked the battery again and it was showing 
12.3 volts.  While running I pulled off the positive lead from the 
battery and the engine died immediately.  So the engine was running off 
the battery--not the alternator.  Of course, I suspect a duff 
alternator.  Freshly rebuilt and sold by one of the 'big 3.'  I 
disconnected the plug from the alternator and with the engine running 
tried to get a reading  to see if the alternator was putting out 
anything--but all I got was a rapidly changing reading on my 
meter--really rapid--some sort of jibberish.  So, short of taking the 
alternator to a speialty shop to have it tested what can I do to 
determine is there is output from my 2 day old unit?  If yes--than I 
must have a problem somewhere between the wiring plug to the alternator 
and the battery--yes?

Bill Wellbaum
Las Vegas