'94 Olds 98, alternator part # question

[saturnthegiant]

My mother has a '94 Olds 98 that the battery keeps draining on after we jump start it. Seems by searching the forums this is a common issue. When I jump start it and the car is running, if I remove the battery cable, the car dies. I'm assuming the alternator is bad. I have attempted to find a replacement part on the salvage yard sites, but then I do a search I am asked to pick one of three different part codes for the alternator. Can anyone tell me how to know where to find this info? I removed the alternator from the car, and took down the Vin #. The engine is a 3.8L. But I can't find any of the numbers the salvage sites ask for....I even looked the alternator body itself over....all I found was Delco Remy and one three digit number.

[aleekat]

Pulling the battery cables when running is very, very old school. You need a voltmeter to test the charging system, battery, etc. Google parasitic drain. You'll find 100s of how to and probably a bunch of videos. Could be something as simple as glovebox light, trunklight etc.

[DeltaP]

You can get a new alternator from Rock Auto, Remy #91327, 105 amp, 12 month warranty for $86.79. But first charge the battery with a battery charger and test it 'off' the car. Then test the alternator with your multimeter with the engine running. Go to AA1car.com For step by step help on this. HTH

[Tech II]

Look at the housing of the alternator....amp rating of it will be stamped on it....

As suggested, check the output with a voltmeter.....make sure you have power at the large red cable to the alternator(fuseable link is not blown)...