Battery Troubles

[LR88II-1962]

Hi,
I just starting having some problems with my 62 88IIA. It won't start on its own, but I can jump start it. It doesn't seem to charge while running, but my meters shows me it's charging (16volts). If I pull the positive battery cable while its running, it dies. I put a new battery in it (showing 12+ volts), but just over 4 volts after I install the battery. Any ideas?
thanks, Pete

[scott]

is that meter on the dash? is it 40+ year old? don't trust it. generator or altenator? i'm not sure about generator but i know pulling the pos cable and engine dies means bad alt

[LR88II-1962]

Thanks Scott,
I am using a hand-held meter, not relying on the dash one. It is a Lucas alternator - 12 VOLT/34AMP A1611. It was converted to negative ground a while back. I guess it is time for a new one....thanks again.
Pete

[JimCT]

killing your alt.

never disconnect the battery while the alternator is charging, you probably blew the diodes doing that. It doesn't see any voltage and goes full bore trying to make up for the lack of battery. You can get away with a generator, but not the alternator.