Need alternator advice from SBC V8 guys, Update: I'm kindofanidiot Options

[aircooledboy]

In the final stages of re-assembly after flares & paint. I wired up the alt exactly the way it was when I took it out, and has always been, but I'm not showing any voltage change at the output pole whether the car is running or not. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) I'm running the Renegade serpentine set up with AC on a 350.

I replaced the alt while I had the engine out with a higher amp unit because I've had charging "issues" with the car literally since I got it, (battery would slowly run down over time, and I've have to charge it), so I thought this might fix that. I've had the new one out and bench tested, and it's putting out 13.8v on the test stand. I'm using an alt for a 93 Buick, and historically it's only had the heavy wire from the output to the start, which then goes to the batt, and the lead on the plug which lights the idiot on the dash. When I start the car now, the idiot light goes out, but I'm only showing like 11.8-ish volts at the pole, and that doesn't change whether car on or not. Guy who built alt for me says as far as he knows, you must have 12v to the "red wire on the plug", which was never connected to anything before. After jumping that to 12v, no change. 11.7-ish volts, and car dies if I disconnect batt.

Electrical is always my weak suit. Any ideas? HEEELLLP ME. . . . (IMG:style_emoticons/default/slits.gif)

[aircooledboy]

Sorry guys, I should have been more clear on the prior problem. It would lose charge while sitting. Hell, I would leave it sit from November thru April, and she`s good to go every year. But when I drove it, it would slowly lose volts.Not so fast that it was not charging at all, but it seemed to me that the alt maybe couldn't keep up with the demand of the 2 pullers and 1 pusher fan, and I was afraid to run the A\C and the the cooling fans, or I'd have starting problems for sure.

I've got the alt wired exactly as shown in Mike's diagram above. Note that it never had the jumper before, but it does now. Rick, I'm pretty sure my output wire has to be good, because I get he same reading at the alt pole with the car off as I do at the battery, and that's the only route the juice could be using to get there. My wiring goes alternator to starter, starter to battery. My grounds are "fresh washed baby's butt" clean, but I may ground 1 of the mounting bolts just to be super sure. I guess I also haven't run the rpms up when I've tested either. I'll take run at those first chance I get.

One thing that is puzzling me is that the alt light on the dash functions as it should if the alt is working. If the light is on when I turn the key, but goes out after a few seconds, doesn't that mean the alternator is functioning? And if so, why can't I measure a voltage change at the output post of the alternator???? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif)

And Jim, I will get some pics up. It really looks amazing. My guy took a long time, but his attention to detail is insane, and the result has been worth the wait. I'll try to get some pics up today.