So my truck when running puts out anywhere between 12.4 and 11.9 is the lowest I've seen so far. I had a bad starter and flat charged battery in her for a while idk if that'd kill the alternator Orr not. But I have tried running lights and it doesn't seem the bring the overall voltage of the battery down at all after a lap around the block. Any advice would be appreciated. Loose belt? Bad ground? I have work for the next three days so I have no time to work on her. But a list of what to check once I get time off work would help.

 

Dead battery will not really kill the alternator, but might cause abnormal voltage readings. Need for clean, solid connections are necessary no matter what part of the truck you're working on. Gun-metal or gray metal is not electrically good connection. You should have silver-colored steel/lead and/or copper/brass metal making contact.

I suppose you measured those 12.4 and 11.9V with volt-meter? At which point?

Healthy charging system should have 13.5-15.1 Volts at "B" post of alternator.

See charging system explained on my Sig. There are suggested places to take voltage measurement, without taking things apart.

Best of luck.

 

Also could be worn out alternator contacts.

 

I tested at the battery terminals. I'm gonna check the grounds on Sunday when I've got work off. If the alternator is really hot is that a good sign it's going bad?

 

Btw what are alternator contacts?

 

Hot is OK because it's in engine compartment. TOO hot not be good - maybe charging more or close to it's rated capacity. Got your battery tested?

Alternator brushes. Could be worn out.