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)

[r_towle]

Why is your screen name aircooledboy?

[aircooledboy]

Why is your screen name aircooledboy?

Ouch. I've been type cast. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Because only one of my current 914s is watered, the other is fully air reliant for cooling. Because I've owned at least one 914 or another nearly continuously for the last 30 years or so, and only the most recent one is a water pumper. Because I eat a lot of fiber, which causes a lot of gas, which results in a certain amount of heat disipation when I let one fly. . . .

Alright, maybe TMI on that last one. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

I've been a 914 guy a LONG time. I just don't need much help with the stock ones. It's the 350 with all its customized shiat that often leaves me scratching my head trying to figure out the basic theory of some component or system so I can trouble shoot it. Like a modified wiring harness for a '98 Buick adapted to a '78 350 sitting in '73 Porsche. Sometimes I forget to look at the forest before I start examining each individual tree. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)