I assume it still works on newer ones but an old trick is to hold a screwdriver blade to the back of the housing on the back shaft/bearing area. If it's magnetic, it's charging. It worked on the old external regulator units and I would assume it works on the new ones too.
And it's good to see you back here! I noticed you fell flat at 999 posts and went AWOL!!!!
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
start car then disconnect positive battery cable if car stay's running alt is charging
I just came from 65Camino's place. It stops running. Looks like new Alternator. At least I know what I'm helping with on Saturday morning! Twenty minute job tops I'd say.
""I assume it still works on newer ones but an old trick is to hold a screwdriver blade to the back of the housing on the back shaft/bearing area. If it's magnetic, it's charging. It worked on the old external regulator units and I would assume it works on the new ones too.""
you can't miss with this quick test. When the Alt. is working , it creates a magnetic field. foolproof quick test as Carl said. works on all Alt.
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later...rog
AADD supporting member !!
I'm a collector...not a builder!!Located in sunny central Saskatchewan at the lakehead!
There was no magnetic pull when I did that. As Ray mentioned when I disconnected the positive terminal it stopped running. I thought it was an Alternator when I checked the voltage just needed to confirm. Thanks
But if it was running on the battery what draw does it take? I drive about 20 minutes to work, lately and I haven't had it stall or stop.
You might be able to get by for 4 or 5 days on a fresh charge, but if you are using A/C, lights, a big stereo, etc. your running time decreases. When my alt. died, I just charged my battery each night until I had time to fix it, but then again it was only a '75 4-banger Honda!
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
Reminds me of back in the day when I would buy rebuilt alternators at Cdn Tire. One third of the rebuilts worked like crap, or didn't work for long. As a result, what would I do? Go to Cdn Tire and get another of course. (As a kid, a few bucks seemed to impact virtually every decision. LOL)
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
if the car starts better, your alternator is BAD 
if not take new one back
, I just went out at lunch and picked up a pair of slacks, $72 and never batted an eye.