ok my 88 vert has been starting and running well even with this problem. but when i start it my warning lights will stay on and im getting a clicking noise from behind the gauges. when i rev the engine at all the lights disappear and the clicking stops. i had the guy at autozone test the alternator and he said it was ok. i just put on new battery clamps and cleaned up the battery grounds but problem is still there. i've been searching here and think its probably the alternator and the clicking noise is probably a relay, however i don't know much about which relay would be causing this or if that really is the problem. any help would be great

 

add on: voltage gauge reads about 12 with the key in on position and about 10.5 with the engine on also all my accessories work, lights signals wipers

 

Yeah, you're probably going to need to replace the generator, the output voltage should not be that low, unless you have every accessory on at the same time.

On the relay. this goes back to the generator, if the relay is designed for 12vdc, but only receiving 10vdc then it will click. When you rev the engine you are spinning the generator faster, causing it to produce more voltage (at least 12vdc) which is enough to keep the relay closed.

Hope this helps
-Pat

P.S. replace the belt while you're there.
and buy a generator with a lifetime warranty.