So I loaned out my truck and I get a call yesterday saying it was broke down. The guy said that it would start with a jump, but as soon as the jumper cables were taken off the battery the truck would die. Does that sound like an alternator issue?

 

Could be. Were you seeing your charge light come on a lot while you were driving? It seems normally on here the alternator doesn't crap out all at once. They take a little time to die completely.

Rob

 

Thats the problem, I loaned it out so I dont know if anything was going on before the truck crapped out. The guy I loaned it to is definately not a car guy, so he's not much help. Thanks for the reply.

 

Check your fusible links.

 

My 1980 truck is doing the same thing. Today it would not hold an idle and the charge light was on. My gauges are also not functioning. I was thinking it was the carb so i bought a 32/36 weber but it could also be the alt.. Would you guys buy a remanufactured alt. on ebay?

 

First, Charge lights are not to be trusted!! I have had 2 different makes of vehicles where the Alts. died totally, and there was no warning light at all. Get a circuit tester and check regularly in addition to a volt gauge. MUCH more reliable.
MT83-My own thinking is that the alternator is your problem. If the battery is dead, and truck still dies when boosters are disconnected, then alt is very likely your problem. Still, check the cheap stuff first. Is there good connections on the battery, good ground on the motor and frame, if you have a charger, charge the battery, start the truck and see if its charging(with tester or gauge). Most alt rebuild shops will check for free if you can get there. Also, like NICO said, check fuses for alternator. Blown fuse, it won't work either.

 

Hey fellas-
Took your advice and checked everything first and it ended up being the alternator. Thanks for the advice!