Alternator Trouble

[RapaNuiMan]

My battery keeps draining. I do not think it is getting charged. If I disconnect the battery while the car is running, and it immediately dies, does that mean the alternator is bad or could it be something else like a power regulator? When the car is running, the alternator shows 11V-out but I think that is just the battery.

[Scarsman]

Yep! You have it correct. Your alternator is bad. Assuming there are no bad connections. Your battery starts the truck, and handles any surge draws for power, but once running, the alternator is the power scource for spark and everything else. Your alternator should be putting out 14 volts when working properly.

DO NOT go off driving anywhere, because it will run until the battery gets to low to provide enough power for spark and then the motor will shut off. Swap that alternator out and you should be good to go. Alternator are a really easy item to replace if you're even slightly handy with simple tools. Just make sure you note what wires hook to where.