I just replaced the alternator in my 89 IROC (LT1), for some reason it is not charging the battery. i checked the wiring to the batt. and alt and everything looks ok. the bettery tests @ 8v. What else can i do? Thnx.

 

Even though the alternator is new, it may not be working. Most of the alternators that you buy are rebuilt, that's why they require a core. Your best bet is to take your car to the nearest auto parts store (i.e. AutoZone, Checker) and have them test it. It costs you nothing and may save you money. I'd tell you how to test it yourself, but it's just so much easier when someone else does it for you for free!!

 

In some cases where the battery is too low it won't charge. ALWAYS start with a fully charged battery when diagnosing a charging system problem.

 

if the battery were too low, would it cause the light to come on?

my 84 is doing this. i had my battery on a 2 amp charge for about 2 hours, while i was aligning my pulleys on sunday. i finished it up tuesday, put the alt in, and the battery. my gauge is giving me 13 volts, but my choke light comes on at idle. it goes away when i rev the engine, but then comes back when it settles back down for idle.

i'm going to check the output with a multimeter this weekend, just wanted to know if there could be anything i'm missing.