Charge light on periodically, battery always losing charge

[jrbarrie83]

Well, after finally figuring out that the issue with my hot start was the timing, I have another item to tackle. Lately, my charge light has been staying on after starting, usually until I rev the engine a couple times. The volt gauge gets above the yellow marks, but just barely. Also, the battery never holds much of a charge beyond a day or two. I'm guessing the alternator is going, and is enough to charge the battery, but just barely. The battery was replaced a couple years ago, but I'm wondering if the constant drain and recharge due to this and the hot start issue killed it. I've checked the output of the alternator, and it is around 14v.

Is there anything I should look for in a new alternator? Is there any advantage to going anywhere other than my local parts store?

Car is an '86 442 with the 307 vin 9.

Thanks!

[88hurstolds]

You have trickle down somewhere with a short of some srts with something that constantly gets power. Not fun trying to locate but I would start with the alternator