I noticed my headlights are flickering at idle when I start up. When I increase the engine rpm it doesn't brighten the lights though. Any opinions?

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85 300TDT 456,000 orig. miles

The output should 13.5V 14.5V

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Thanks I will, but how about the regulator? Does that have any bearing on this? I always thought that you can tell the alternator is failing if by increasing engine idle thus increasing brighttness?

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85 300TDT 456,000 orig. miles

You are only starting the diagnosis, when you have more data, add another post.
A dead alternator or regulator can do what you describe,

Shear,

Check the brushes in the alternator. They are attached to the regulator in the back of the alternator. You don't have to remove the alternator, just remove the regulator from the back of the alternator.

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