Probably a dum question but what is a good easy way to tell if your alt. is charging and how much it is putting out ..

 Thanks  

Easiest way is a Voltmeter across the battery terminals. A good battery should be at least 12V fully charged. With the engine running the Voltage should increase to around 13.5-14V. If you don't see any increase in voltage between not running and running then its not charging. How much its putting out is more difficult to measure. You could use an Ammeter but you will still only see how much current is being drawn from the Alternator and not how much it is capable of putting out. When the current draw exceeds its capacity the Voltage will drop anyway, try measuring it with the headlights on as well as off.

Nah the easest way is drive it to an auto parts store, auto zone shucks/kragen  walk up to somone inside and say hay can i have my altenator tested. they come right out and do it.