charging light

[eugrides]

installed new alt. on my 80 fi model if i put a full load [wipers blower headlights] or just headlights i still get a dim charging light but get 14volts at bat.when running 14.2 with headlight off whats up do plan to install headlight relay is that enought wiper speed ok

[So Cal Mark]

your new alt may have a bad diode, what amperage will it put out?

[eugrides]

how do you chech amp output.

[So Cal Mark]

with an ammeter

[baltobernie]

Any full-service garage or shop has a clamp-on ammeter. "Big Box" auto parts stores also have them, and they will test the output of your alternator, in your car, for free. They look like this:



The tech places the jaws of the device around the output wire of the alternator while the car is running, then you add load with headlights, etc. The output amperage of the alternator is displayed on the meter. OK?