alternator problems

[helibrian]

Few weeks ago my delica wouldn't start it would turn over very slowly then nothing.so I decided to change the battery.took the old one out and as soon as i hooked up the new battery there was sparks and then pop went the alt fuse so I changed the alt fuse and hooked up the battery and sparks flew then pop went the alt fuse it also blew the radio fuse.So I decided to change the alternator but i had to get the van to my work so i started the engine with the fuse blown, it would start but only for a second or two so i cranked the starter till the engine got hot enough to run on its own. the headlights still worked and the windshield wipers stayed on slow even with them not selected on.5 minutes later I got to work.I called up a parts dealer close to the airport and found an alternator for $180 .I put it in and while I was doing this I charged the battery that I had just put in(the battery was in the back of my delica for 10 months).installed the alternator, battery and alt fuse and it worked for 3 days till my battery died again.so i took the battery to get tested and it was no good. so i got a new battery and put it in then 3 days later it died again.so i tested the new alt and it wasn't putting out any voltage (should be around 14 volts).got the old alt rebuilt at brighouse electric for $180 put it in and it worked( 14 volts) .took the new alt back and got a refund.I also bought a voltmeter and put it in.I'll make a new post for the voltmeter install.I have now changed the alt twice and consider myself an expert on this subject if you have any question on it just ask.

[jrman]

Tks for the info including brighouse - thinking of getting my rebuilt before I "have to".
Appreciate your voltmeter photos when you can also - would very much like to install one as well.
Happy New Year!