Alternator problem?

[JJS]

Took my vette out last night for a quick drive, and to put gas in it for next weekend. After filling the tank and paying for the fuel, I went to start the car and it appeared to be dead, for about a second. I thought that maybe I didn't have the clutch in all the way, as it started on the second attempt after I backed off on the first.

I parked the car at the house for a bit before taking it back to storage. When I came out of my house, it started, but it sounded like it was struggling....like the battery was weak and just about dead. The guage on my dash indicated that the battery was OK (right in the middle), and needless to say I'm a little nervous.

Any advice on what to check? I could use pointers as to where the terminals are on the alternator, if you think that could be the culprit. Thanks in advance for advice.

 

[wallyknoch]

A quick check is to use a volt meter and check the battery voltage before starting and then immediately after starting. If the voltage jumps up to 13.6-14.4, your charging system is working properly.