The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Alternator help.

with the truck a little above idle, take a screwdriver and stick it to the back of the alternator bearing...its a pressed in inclosed needle bearing so your not going to hurt anything.....stick it to this bearing....if the screwdriver sticks then your alternator is putting out a charge....You should get a pretty strong magnetic pull . This is just a quick check and no it doesnt tell you all the specifics but lets you know its putting out a charge. Best bet is to take the alternator off and have it bench tested at a starter and alternator shop if you have concerns with it.