Well, I finally solved my alternator problem. Just a quick recap of events...First, the alternator blew a 70 amp fuse.  Flew a couple of short flights with alternator inoperative. Started checking wiring. Had 12 volts at alternator plug (the one that excites the field).  Decided to remove alternator and purchase a new one.  I brought the alternator to O'Reilly Autoparts, where they put it on their test machine and it was only putting out 9volts.  alternator not in stock...They would have to order one.  Went to CarQuest. Same problem....special order.  While I was at the counter, and playing with the alternator, I noticed that the vanes on the cooling fan were shiny. Further inspection showed qouges out ot the fins. Further inspection showed a screw inside the housing that was wedged into the windings.  (I had taken this alternator to a local alternator/starter rebuilding shop a month earlier).  I brought it back to him, he took it apart, trashed the bad parts and sent me on my way with a newly repaired alternator and an appoloy.  I reinstalled the alternator on my plane, fired it up and it now indicates 14 volts while the engine is running.   I believe that the screw that went through the fins and jammed into the field wiring had a detrimental effect on the alternator, and probably contributed to the fuse blowing as well.  The screw was originally one of four that were inside the alternator. The other 3 were tight. The one that came loose and caused all the havoc came out because the insulator that it held in place was cracked.  Paul, got the electrons flowing again, Conner