If you have access to the back side of the alt you will find a small D shaped hole near the rear bearing cap. If you insert a metal object, such as a nail, into the hole and bottom it out, then allow the nail to ground against the side of the D shaped hole, while the engine is running, you will bypass the internal regulator forcing the alt to put out max power. This is done briefly only to test the total output of your alt, if it's healthy you will see the voltage on your voltmeter climb to 17 plus volts. The Delcotron alt needs at least 4.5 volts to exite it. Engine idle speed should be enough to trigger the alt unless like longhornmail said about changing pulleys. Possible the brushes are worn down and or greasy/dirty and not making good contact inside the alt.
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1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03)
1998 S10 short bed
2002 S10 Blazer
1942 Oldsmobile
1958 Massey Harris Pony
1951 Wife
Killingworth, Connecticut
May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts.
And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping.
A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.
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