Should it take over one minute before the alternator starts charging on a cold start? After warmed up it comes right on line. But after sitting overnight it takes a long time.

Seems to be typical (read normal). The glow plugs and intake heater can stay on after starting, and have quite a draw. The starter has quite a draw as well. When the alternator spins up, it first puts out amperage to charge back the battery and the voltage is low. Then as the amps drop, volts come up. Also, the alternator is commanded by the ECM, and that might be part of the delay (HELP, techs!! - I understand ot - can't explain it). I have two alternators, and do not have the delay.

The drop you see when cold starting is the fact that the glow plugs are still on when the engine starts. Sometimes they will go off and come back on and you can watch the needle jump up and down. Obviously, when warm, the glow plugs do not operate. That is the deal. Normal procedure.

Normal.

normal