Alternator problem...

[excelguru]

Okay, here we go...

Upon initial startup this morning, the amp meter would immediately point WAY positive for about half a second, then point to zero (or slightly negative) for half a second, then back to WAY positive again for half a second, then back to near zero for half a second... this went on for about 10 seconds or so before the needle finally stopped jumping and came to rest at slightly negative. This is where the neelde stayed during my first test drive of the day.

After that short drive (maybe 2 miles), I turned off the car and checked to make sure that all the spark plug wires were seated securely in the distributor cap (I think one or more may have been loose). Then I cranked it for it's second test drive for the day.

During the second run (maybe 1 or 2 miles), the amp meter never read positive at all, only slightly negative the whole time.

I know the amp meter is working because I can turn on the cooling fans and watch the needle jump slightly more negative. I also know because the battery was as dead as a doornail yesterday evening and had to be charged all night. The wiring connections between the voltage regulator and the alternator are correct and tight. The connections between the alternator and the wiring harness are also correct and tight. I'm at a loss unless the alternator itself is bad (possible, but not probable). Any suggestions?

I won't be able to check this post much in the next day (and not at all over the weekend). So in addition to posting suggestions here (for others who may have this problem) please also give me a call at ... (cell phone).

Thanks guys!

Keith