i went to pismo for my cruiser's maiden voyage. i found many problems most of which i fixed within a week. but i have one problem that i just cant figure out. i have a chevy 350 with the GM alternator. my problem is the the alternator isnt changing my battery. i put in a new battery and a new alternator trying to fix it but still nothing. i have checked all the wires and compared them to the owners manual and they all match up correctly. everything associated with it works like the amp meter but it wont charge the battery. does anyone have any suggestions or solutions to this problem?
any little clues or info would help.
thanks

How'd you "check(ed) all the wires and compared them to the owners manual" since they were never offered with GM alternators? In order for us to help, you need to figure out what GM alternator you have. from there, people on the board can tell you what needs to be wired where.

Pics help tremendously when ID'ing an alternator.

Sounds like you have a 12si...

Here are a few links on wiring/installing a chevy 12si:

http://www.6066gmctrucks.org/charging.htm
http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AlternatorConversions.htm
http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/onewire-threewire.shtml


I upgraded my original 1F alt to a 12si, works great.
manny

the alternator has the same plug as the stock one and all the wires going out of the alternator match the maual. its past there thats confusing me.

Pics! sounds like you have the stock toyota alternator, not a GM. If thats the case, there isnt much to troubleshooting them. Follow the wiring diagram and check the fuse supplying 12V and the fusible link. Aside from that, check the volt. reg...

thanks. i looked at it today and im now suspecting my voltage regulator.

Are you getting 12v to the alternator's exciter wire when the key is on?

Ed