1990 suburban - high charge

[cwh]

I recently bought a 1990 suburban with the 5.7L. Its a 3/4 ton 4x4 with manual everything. The voltage meter is showing high. It isn't into the red but right up there. The battery is brand new. I didn't think much of the gauge reading high but I was keeping a close eye on it. My wife was driving it and the battery light came on. The only thing I could think of was the alternator and the battery connections. Battery connections were tight so I replaced the alternator. The gauge is still reading high (although not in the red). The battery light hasn't come on yet with the new alternator. Anybody have any suggestions. I'm usually pretty good at these things but this problem has me stumped. One other thing is the previous owner installed a heater in the rear of the 'burb. He needed 12 volts so instead of going to the fuse block or battery he used the positive post on the back of the alternator.

Any ideas would be appreciated,

Thanks,

Chris

 

The new alternator came with a computerized test sheet showing it passed. I know these units have the internal regulator and it shows that it is set at 14.9 volts.

[redvett]

Loads should never be hooked to the alternator output only at a fused center like the one under the hood on the drivers side of the vehicle.