Just bought an 88 Sammy from Georgia had had it shipped up to western pa where I currently reside. About a week ago my new Sammy died on me at the local electronics store (ironic). Was able to get it started since I had my brother to push lol. Installed a new battery and alternator, but the voltage remains around 12.4-12.8 with the vehicle running. My new battery keeps dying obviously.

The weird thing is, if I really put tension on my belt, the alternator will charge at over 13.0 volts but squeal to beat hell at midrange rpms. Is it something as simple at the good folks at autozone giving me the incorrect belt? I tried searching the forum for similar cases but I wasn't even sure what to look for, as I am new to this site an forums in general. Any help or insight would be tremendous.

SD

Your alternator is shot. Time to upgrade that puny stock alternator to a GM Delco 12si using the Trail Tough alternator bracket.

This alternator was just installed on Friday, so if it is bad it wouldve been junk right out of the box most likely . I forgot to mention how hot the alternator was getting also. Could my problem possibly be in the wiring somewhere? The alternator I just replaced on Friday seemed to give similar charging numbers as the newly installed one, however when I took it to autozone, it passed the bench test.

Btw, thanks for taking your time to help me out a bit.

SD

You could have a connection somewheres between the alt and battery that is highly corroded and creating alot of resistance.

That's exactly what I was considering. I'd like to figure out where that squealing sound is coming from still. Looks like it's time to look through the old Haynes manual for some wiring diagrams tonight. I'll keep you folks posted.

Take out your Haynes book and some lighter fluid and burn that useless crap,,LOL, without a doubt the best course of action, then go over to ACK's faq's and get the proper wiring diagram.

A corroded, high resistance connection between the alternator & battery will simply reduce the charge rate - this will have the exact opposite effect to what you describe - reduced charge rate = lower load on alternator = lower load on belt = lower temp on alternator.

A severely discharged battery will place additional load on the alternator as it recharges, which will have the effects you describe, especially if the belt is not correctly tightened - the belt squeal can also be the result of an undersized belt and/or glazed pulleys

Tightened up belt and got it to charge over 13.0V.. However, the squeal will not go away. I sprayed wd40 on the backside of the pulleys and it actually stopped the squealing when sprayed on the main drive pulley. I let it sit for about half an hour and then the squeal came back. Could this pulley be the culprit? Is that a common malfunction?

What is your resting battery voltage at?

Hey folks, got it figured out! Changed the belt and tightened it to spec and the squeal is gonezo. I appreciate your input and I'll be posting again soon!

SD

FYI, keep oil and any other type of lubricant away from belts.  The squeal was coming from the belt slipping on the pulley(s), not from the pulleys rubbing against something.  The belt was either glazed and/or not tightened correctly.
The alternator was likely getting hot because the belt was slipping on the alternator pulley and the friction was creating heat, which was being transferred to the alternator.