Charging problem

[Martin64]

I went to start my truck yesterday morning and it was dead. So I installed a new battery and the gauge is just on the "charge" side of center. I ran it a while yesterday and it never did come up to center like it was before. I went to start it today and it grunted once then started and the needle was about half way between center and the far edge of charge. So I ran it for a while and it still wouldn't come up to center, but just to the right of center. I came in and read a bunch of posts related to this problem and went to work. I did find the + cable was loose at the starter, but that didn't cure the problem. When I put the + clamp back on the + post I could hear something on the firewall "click". I traced it down to somewhere in the distributor area.... question: is this "click" normal?
And I'm thinking the problem is the voltage regulator.... is this probable? To solve this I'm thinking about getting an alternator/regulator combined. Which one do I get and where can I get the plugs to convert from what I have to a later model alternator?

[lukecp]

First i would get the alternator tested.....pull it off and any parts store should test if for free.
Voltage regulator failure could be the problem....if so they cost like $12 and take 15 minutes or less to install....but upgrading to an internally regulated alternator would be a great idea....can't help you on the conversion process though. I still have a crappy external regulated alternator in my ride....

[Martin64]

I'll take 'er in tomorrow evening after work and see what happens.... thanks!