how to test for alternator current

In my escort when you put the extras on the motor boggs down quite a bit. I can and have checked the voltage with a multimeter but dont remember who to check amps.

When the car is sitting I get 12.50 v
When I start the car, radio on I get 13.55 v
When I turn on a/c radio on I get 13.47 v
When I turn on the lights with a/c, radio on, I get 13.40 v

obviouslly the voltage is ok but was curious as to find out if there is enough current being made and thats (maybe) why the motor boggs down so much? Another reason I questioned the alt is its still the factory one and the car has 93,000 miles.

When your alternator is under a load it is harder to turn. That's why your engine slows down. Voltage will decrease as demand for amps increases so I'd say your car is working fine :tongue:

It's not the alternator fault the motor cant keep up the the demand in power. lol
If your alternator was'nt supplying enough current, you'd know. Because the voltage would dip a lot more (below 12), and your battery would go dead all the time.

It's not the alternator fault the motor cant keep up the the demand in power. lol
If your alternator was'nt supplying enough current, you'd know. Because the voltage would dip a lot more (below 12), and your battery would go dead all the time.

ok thanks