1986 chev g10 van not charging? Need help!

Our van is not charging don't know why. There is lots of spark from the alternater to the battery. The alternater and battery are new and both have been tested fine. When we remove the positive battery cable for checking the van cuts out. the van starts fine but will not keep it's charge. Any suggestions would be great thanks.

The alternater is not charging if the van dies when you remove the + red post from the battery Warning note: please do'nt do this :nono: :nono: :nono:
Removing the battery cable when engine is running is a good way to blow alternator and computer.

Never pull battery cable when engine is running. thank you my error. (old school thinking)

If the alternator is testing good (i am assuming that you are having it tested at the parts store) but the engine dies when you remove the positive cable, you my have a blown in line fuse link somewhere along the line. Happened to me once when a shop who shall remain nameless (rhymes with pep boys) replaced the starter without disconnecting the battery. Trace the battery and alternator cables, sometimes they can be hard to find.

Our van is not charging don't know why. There is lots of spark from the alternator to the battery. The alternator and battery are new and both have been tested fine. When we remove the positive battery cable for checking the van cuts out. the van starts fine but will not keep it's charge. Any suggestions would be great thanks.


Waring :nono: :nono: :nono:
Removing the battery cable when engine is running is a good way to blow alternator and computer.

Never pull battery cable when engine is running.

To test alternator/charging system find a repair shop that can run the test with everything on the car.

A good volt meter will test the alternator/charging and battery.

If running voltage is not over engine off voltage around 13.2 volts it is not charging.
You should see 13.5 volts or more if it is charging good.