I thought I had this fixed....

Since I've had the truck, the volt meter was erradic, and the lights pulsated with the erradic meter. The meter would swing wildly through the range of the guage. Battery was always charged, and aside from the pulsating lights, and the erradic meter, you would never know there was a problem.

I kinda figured it was the voltage regulator, so I replaced the alternator (internally regulated). No the meter is not as erradic, it is more consistant, but it still swings wildly, but only from straight up to the positive side. The lights still pulsate with the meter.

I have reconnected every ground I could find in the engine copartment with no change.

This is an '86 F350, 460 etc, etc... I do know that the turn signal switch is bad and I have one, just haven't had the time to install it. Could this be a problem?

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

If it varies with engine rpm. this is normal to a certain extent. If your idle speed is a little low, it will aggravate the fluctuation. If the needle and lights vary, and it's not related to engine rpm, then it must be a loose connection. Most truck's electrical systems have one point of origin. You have the battery, alternator, and the rest of the electrical system usually tied together at the starter solenoid relay. It will be the large terminal of the solenoid going to the battery. You will usually find a bunch of fusible links in this area too. The connection on the solenoid needs to be clean and tight.

 

If you have a large amp for your sound system this can cause a problem like this if the wires arn't large enough going to the amp.
Just a thaught, ran across this on a 2001 BMW.

 

I have a 1988 Bronco II that has about the same voltage fluxuation, as the guy with the F350. Mine intermitanly fluxuates at any speed at any time. Should I possibly look at replacing the external starter silinoid? Or is my problem else where.

 

Are these 80's alternators the ones that use a slid on connector for the bat terminal? These cause poor connections and even fires. How many wires hook up to these? You might try measuring the voltage right at the alternator.