recently, my 90 5.0 has been having a hard time charging.. and it'll ALWAYS need a jump when trying to start. doesnt matter if i JUST turned it off or if it's been off for a day. and i noticed most of the gauges except RPM, temp, and MPH are raised alot! the Volt Amp reads 18+ volts while im driving and it flucuates as well.. the fuel gauge is wayyy past Full but for sure its no where near full.. i know its not the battery because i used my friends newly purchased battery from autozone. i was thinkin alternator?

 

have the alt tested, and if it's overcharging, it'll boil the fluid out of the battery and then not only will you need a new alt but by now the battery could be toasted, have both tested

 

you're right.. i was just about to edit my post saying that battery fluid is dripping all over the place.. but the battery still works good.. =] thanks

 

replace the alt before driving it anymore or the battery will be toast....sounds like the voltage reg went SNAFU....

 

is the overcharging the reason why my fuel gauge is way high?