charging system confusion

[mattd424]

ok my 1996 f150 with 302 has got 193 000 miles on it.was a georgia vehicle got left in michigan till now with only water in it finally got everything fixed and it starts up with new battery but alternator isnt charging at startup aften 10 seconds the voltage gauge jumps up and everything lights up bright and get 14.2 volts for abot 2 seconds then back to 12 volts.i wanted to come on here and see what you guys thought my brother told me that it isnt the alternator if its getting voltage for that time.

also on another part when i put my meter on continuity should i get a reading hooked to the pos and neg terminals without the battery in the truck? thank you for any help

[mattd424]

didnt men to post 3 times pc hung up

[way2old]

Possibly the voltage regulator. It is mounted to the rear of the alternator. It is sold aftermarket for around 40 dollars. Weigh the cost of complete alternator assembly versus the regulator. You can get longer warranty with the aftermarket alternator than with the regulator.

[mattd424]

thank you im going to have it tested today and see whats up.yeah my autozone is 60 for regulator and new alt with 3 yr warrenty is 114

[mattd424]

well auto zone couldnt seem to figure it out so i just got a new one and new battery cables back at 14.7 volts and workin like a charm got a smaller battery now tho hopfully that will be ok