1998 alternator question

I recently was getting the "Check Charge System" warning on my 1998 Aurora. My engine diagnostic said the voltage was down around 11.8. I first changed out the battery, which was original to the car, with a new one from the dealer. It then would read around 12.4. So, it was more than the battery. I figured my alternator was bad as well. I disconnected the battery and took the old alternator out. The car then sat in my garage for 2 months while I saved up enough money for a replacement. I finally replaced it on Saturday. When I first started the engine, it read 12.2 volts and the "Check Charge System" light came on again. As soon as I gave the car a little gas, the voltage climbed to about 14.8 and stayed there. Now, each time I start the car, it does the same thing. It reads about 12.2 volts until I start driving and then it climbs to 14.7 or so and stays there. I can stop the car and put it in park to idle and the voltage stays at 14.7. It just won't climb to this number when I first start it and let it idle all day. It needs the engine to be loaded up to begin maintaining the charge. I don't think this is normal is it? I don't think the old alternator acted this way. If not, do I have anything to worry about?

I recently was getting the "Check Charge System" warning on my 1998 Aurora. My engine diagnostic said the voltage was down around 11.8. I first changed out the battery, which was original to the car, with a new one from the dealer. It then would read around 12.4. So, it was more than the battery. I figured my alternator was bad as well. I disconnected the battery and took the old alternator out. The car then sat in my garage for 2 months while I saved up enough money for a replacement. I finally replaced it on Saturday. When I first started the engine, it read 12.2 volts and the "Check Charge System" light came on again. As soon as I gave the car a little gas, the voltage climbed to about 14.8 and stayed there. Now, each time I start the car, it does the same thing. It reads about 12.2 volts until I start driving and then it climbs to 14.7 or so and stays there. I can stop the car and put it in park to idle and the voltage stays at 14.7. It just won't climb to this number when I first start it and let it idle all day. It needs the engine to be loaded up to begin maintaining the charge. I don't think this is normal is it? I don't think the old alternator acted this way. If not, do I have anything to worry about?
:smokin:you know sometimes you have to "not" buy @ Kragens, Chiefs, for alternators...Find those (local) independant shops that rebuild them.
I have had to put three alternators in consecutively one after another till it was right. (not on my Aurora and these "were" the independant ones.) What I mean by "right" was that the readings were proper at idle. You want to have the lights on air on radio etc. then see what your readings are. Example: as your battery feeds energy to those required items (Radio etc.) the alternator should restore power to the battery, 11.5

Yes, this is common for cheaper rebuilts. Pay more for the AC Delco/Remy rebuilt. There is a difference.

What was a new alternator from oldsomobile?
price wise. Am needing a new one..considering having my own rebuilt instead..any advise as to this as a choice to prob upwards of 300.00?