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]

Bruce, the 3 fans are the standard Renegade set up for a car with A/C, and as hot as she can get with the air on on a really hot day in traffic, I don't think it's overkill.

I'm not a big fan of the "pull the battery cable" alternator test either Jerry, but no worries on the electronics here. I'm running decidedly cutting edge 1965 engine management tech, so the only electronics in jeopardy on my car would be the radio. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Bruce Hinds]

Bruce, the 3 fans are the standard Renegade set up for a car with A/C, and as hot as she can get with the air on on a really hot day in traffic, I don't think it's overkill.

Oh. I did mine before Renegade sold the cooling kit. I just use two puller fans. They are tripped on by either the A/C or thermostat as needed.

I often wondered it the alternator belt being under driven since it's off the harmonic balancer would make a big difference it heaving traffic driving, but I never had a problem. I also have a much smaller intake area for the air. I found that the larger area of opening for the exit helps create a lower pressure to draw the air out and creates less turbulence in the trunk. Fans don't run too often.