Charging system I have a 1998 Chev conversion van w/ 350 cu. in. Vortex. the volt meter reads 14 amps and then it will drop to 7 amps charging will driving if I drop to second gear the charge goes up to 14 or if I'm sitting in park it will drop to 7 amps if I put the shifter in drive with my foot on the brake I go back to 14 amps charging again...what's going on....just installed a new alternator 2 months ago

How do you know it's only putting out about 1/2 ? an 1/2 what ? Amps or volts ? Did you hook up a volt meter to the battery posts ? red to red an black lead to negative post of the battery ? Does it show 13.1 to 14. 1 volts with the engine running , if so it's charging . The only thing that would cause the alternator not to put out full charge amps would be a bad diode inside the alternator or a power or ground issue. You need to check power an grounds doing a voltage drop test . Voltage Drop Testing the Charging System

Yes and no.
It sounds like you have a wiring problem.
The alternator output could be 14 volts and only one or two amps, but that would be enough to kill the warning light. Its more likely the alternator is charging but the current is not reaching the battery.

You need a volt meter. buy one at harbor freight if you do not have one. usually about $5.00 Set the selector switch on the meter at DC 20V There ae 2 wires/Leads that come off the meter a red one and a black one. Put the black one on the NEG - battery terminal. Put the red lead on the POS + battery post.. with the engine off it should read about 12 volts.. with the engine running it should read 14 Volts or better.. If it does not increase to 14 volts or so the charge is not getting to the battery.. could be as simple as a loose fan belt or a bad alternator, or a short in the wire between the alternator and the battery. let me know what you find..

This could be the guage in the dash. They are not that accurate. Get a dvm and check it.

amps or volts
11 to 12 amps indicates nothing but if it is volts then it indicates that the alternator is not charging the battery
Battery voltage is 12 -13.5 volts and when charging is 14.5-14.8 volts dc
the rest of your statement indicates that the alternator or voltage regulator is faulty and you should have the charging system checked by an accredited auto electrician

When you say charging,do you mean amp reading or volt reading?Amps should rise when first started then drop.Volts should stay close to constant.The small wire going to the alternator to power the regulator in the alternator is just switched power.If the volts fall under 14 after ten minutes you may need to try a replacement alternator.

it may have deffective diode on the charging system(the alternator). 14 volts is an over charge in a battery. ampere reading must be on what the battery designed.

you need to check your electrical system with a digital volt meter-when the vehicle sits overnight, the battery should read about 12.5 volts before startup. You should get the same (or very close) reading at the large post on the rear of the alternator, then start it up. Readings should go to close to 15 volts, and gradually drop down to close to 14 volts at idle, again at the battery and the rear of the alternator. If it is much less than 14 (like 13) or more than 15 (like 16) you have a problem either with the voltage regulator or the ecm.

It is built into the Alternator as best I recall. Have the alternator tested at Auto Zone or Advance Auto and that will indicate if there is a problem.

did you replace these things because the engine was turning over slower then normal?
or no turning over at all?
or turning over but wouldn't start?