how do i check to see if the alt is working properly? without a voltmeter i mean. is it the pull the battery cable while its running trick with the z's

i have a 74 260z and just got it on the road monday!!

Do you have an amp or volt guage working in the dash? If it's amp, check to see if the pointer is left of the middle line. If it's a volt guage, be sure it is around 13 volts. I think you can take the cable off and that might work too. My suggestion, shell out a few bucks for a volt meter, it's well worth the cost.

i have a amp gauge and yes it is to the left of the middle line till i rev it up them itll climb a little it but nothing major.

If it's on the left of the middle mark then your alternator is probably not putting enough out to keep the battery charged. I'd yank it and take it to a local autozone or kragen and have it tested.

Probably your alt. It should always be a little over to the right.

Yes, pulling the positive lead while the car is running will always work. Make sure you turn on your Headlights with the brights on.

If you have dim lights and your engine is still running that's telling you that your alt is weak is probably will do great with a rebuild.

at idle i didnt even need to turn the lights on and it died.

Well, now we know your alt is bad.

Make sure you put your batt on charge if you have a charger to keep it hot.

You might want to think about going with a GM upgrade. I think it's T120. search around there's a lot of info. Personally I use the stock Nissan replacements. I have no need for any extra power.

-Brandon

i wont have a need for the extra power eather and i dont like to cut up harnesses, make to much mess and fuss if i want to go stock again