alternator problem in 97 firebird?

[Nickr]

Im having a problem with my 97 firebird and Im a little confused as to what the problem could be. A few weeks ago I noticed an odd smell, it was like dead fish or something. I immediately thought of coolant and checked it but it was fine, also it never really even went past the normal range in heat. It seemed to go away for two weeks or so and now in the last day or so my power steering comes and goes and the battery gauge fluctuates wildly if Im not accelerating. Im thinking this is an alternator problem but Id like some input from you guys if at all possible before I get it tested since money is tight and I dont want to waste it.

I looked around and couldnt find any reference to the smell. Does an alternator have a distinct smell if its burning?

[FormulaLT1]

Your regulator/internals if were burning out would smell like any other electrical device burning. As for a power steering issue as well as charging issue, would more than likely be a belt tension issue not alternator.