Volt meter

[Spanky]

I have a 1 wire 100 Amp alternator, and a volt meter (not an ammeter) which normally reads 14+ volts when I'm driving. Sometimes when I first start it, it only reads a little below 12 volts, but as soon as I blip the throttle it goes up to 14+. When I was driving it yesterday, I noticed it stayed a little under 12 volts, regardless of engine speed. Is my alternator going south?

 

[HenrysT]

Depends on which direction you're driving.

I'm not up on electrical things, but a quick way to see if the alt. is charging, short of a meter, put a screw driver near the back side (opp. side of the pulley) the magnetic field caused by charging should "pull" the screw driver towards it.
How's your battery? Good connections?

 

[old round fart]

Doesn’t sound good. Be sure battery posts are clean and wire at alternator and starter are clean and tight. If all are good,take it to autozone and get it tested.

 

[PotvinGuy]

Voltmeter in dash, huh? Try this: How to Test an Alternator

 

[Neshkoro]

PotvinGuy, you beat me to it. I was going to suggest just that. Good simple video!