You test the individual contacts on the alt at wide open throttle since it is AC current. Should be around 30 is what I remember per side. The Alts rarely fail minus bearings or belt as there isn't much to fail. The VR (voltage regulator) is more likely the issue. Can be the contacts either broken or corrsion. Could be some bad wiring like the battery cables. See if there is current from the Alt and then check the red wire coming off the VR. Also check the battery with nothing on from + to - and then do it at open throttle. If it is the VR there is a cheap one on ebay that I don't know if I would trust. Deere has the same one from around $100 and then an upgrade that is temp sensing for around $180. The temp sensing helps with overcharge. I have one that overcharges and one I am working on that likely needs a VR as it isn't charging. I just need to swap the VR for the test and save some more $$.

 

Mike, Check you eMail

 

Mine fried (muffler heat probably) at the connector where the 2 alternator wires connect to the voltage regulator wires.

Took out the regulator when the wires shorted.

Replaced the plug with a "trailer" style 2 pin connector and the regulator, worked fine for the last 3 years.

 

Mike D,
I your opinion is the factory location of the voltage regulator in a bad location and if so where would you feel would be a better location? Being you know 332's and thermodynamics.
Michael

 

Not really the VR but the connector from the Alt to the VR wires. They sit really close to the muffler. Not much you can do about it other then shield it some way. One of mine was the same way. I think the other may have been since the plug wasn't there anymore.