Hi, Crafty,
I'm not sure what you mean by alternator clicking on and off. My air conditioning compressor clicks on and off, because it has an electrically operated clutch.
The alternator is belt driven all the time, so usually its either putting out current or it isn't. If it isn't putting out, you will see low readings on the voltmeter and the red battery warning light will come on. Check the usual suspects: loose battery connection, loose connector on the alternator, corroded cables. There is a plug on the alternator with wires for the regulator and warning light. The actual alternator output terminal to charge the battery is on the back of the alternator.
Any shop manual like Haynes or Chilton will have an alternator troubleshooting procedure.
The voltage regulator is a replaceable module bolted onto the back of the alternator. The brushes are replaceable, too, but auto parts stores don't usually stock them, though an alternator shopshould have them. When my alternator failed a few months ago, at 200,000 miles, it was due to one of the brushes wearing down and badlt scoring the slip ring, until it no longer made contact. I opted for a remanufactured alternator.
Bob
