Charging system question

The rotor does generate a magnetic field. I've seen "quickie" tests where someone puts a screwdriver across the rear of the alternator, this is supposed to prove the rotor is active.

But that really doesn't PROVE anything. There is so much more that can go wrong with a charging system, it really matters not whether the rotor is producing a field.

I tend to "group" the charging system:

The output circuit which "on these cars" encompasses the alternator output, through the bulkhead, through the ammeter, back out the bulkhead, to the battery. There are at least several major connections in there that can drop the charge path

The components, the alternator and the VR

The field circuit, from the ignition "run" circuit, through the VR and the green field wire, and the brushes, through the field.

Any part or more than one of all of that can be defective