I have a Colt with an 0290D2 engine. After starting the engine last week the amp meter showed a positive charge for about 5 seconds and then dropped to zero. I took the alternator to a shop and they said it was working fine. I reinstalled it and started the engine again and still no charge. I connected alligator clip to the top post on the alternator and to a volt meter with the other lead going to the negative post of the battery and it showed no charge. Did I check it the right way? Also with the engine running the fuel gauges showed the correct level until I turned on the landing light at which time both the gauges dropped to zero fuel level. I cycled the master switch off and then back on and the fuel gauges returned to normal. If I turned on anything with less draw than the landing lights the fuel gauges showed normal. What kind of hint is this?
Thanks
Bob
PS I checked the ground from the alternator back to the battery and it showed continuity.