1986 6000 ste charging issues

I just got this car about 5 days ago but last night I start getting an intermittant over charge light and gauge. I could see the headlights flashing and this got me thinking and I tightened the Neg Batt terminal. So now im just waiting to see if this is solved or what.

Comment?
Has this happened to you?

Thanks
Robert

Now it has a new alt.... but still has the same issue.

Just on the off chance that anyone is reading this.... and this is with the new alt.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b124/zilakila/DSCF0014.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b124/zilakila/DSCF0007.jpg

I guess this is a unique expiriece to me only.

Hey, with everything turned off, check the bat terminal on the back of the alternator. It should show battery voltage, anything? If the alternator output circuit is open, the alternator output voltage can go high.

The alternator does have an internal voltage regulator, correct? I mean it isn't external?

With everything turned off, what is battery voltage showing?

Maybe the new alternator is faulty?

Ya know it may well be the new alt is faulty... the mechanic took it back off and then put the old one back.... then knowing that this problem occures mostly after the car is driven... let it sit for nearly a week and gives it back and says its fixxed... I guess he couldnt get it to show and he diddnt want to drive it.

Im looking for a bad ground or wire or something... my headlights are flashing and the alt seems to still be over charging... I think im getting a faint rumble from the alt... I wish it was the more common alt.

I dont think the heavy red wire on the alt is open... my battery would have been long dead by now... there is a chance that one of the wires from the plug is failing under load... this is gonna be a tough one.

I'd use a volt-meter and double check the alternator output, engine running. Put the negative lead to ground and the positive lead to the bat terminal on the alternator. Then take the same reading across the battery posts. What are the readings?

When the problem is ongoing, is anything warm to the touch, Battery cables, fuses, relays, anything? You mentioned the headlites, if you disable that circuit, does it change anything?

If you turn all electricals on or off, does it have any effect on the charging system?

Your battery is in good shape, correct?