Strange charging problem

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Apr 21, 2011 | 04:59 PM

Fordranchero

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 293

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From: Huntsville,Ont.

Strange charging problem

Lately my 92 7.3 ide has developed an odd thing, after first starting up the voltage gauge drops almost to bottom, sits there for maybe 15 seconds then does the usual few jumps as the gp cycles, evens out at a lower voltage and slowly rises to normal.
The occasional time it does not move or come up at all.
I have check all plugs and connection on alternator and batteries.
What else?

Apr 21, 2011 | 07:28 PM

85grey

Mountain Pass

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 137

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If it always starts good and cranks fast I would GUESS that the gauge is not working properly. If you have a volt meter, check how many volts it has after startup. it should have 13 to 14.5 volts when charging. If it is in that range than the first thing to check is the battery connections.

Apr 21, 2011 | 07:38 PM

1994F2507.3L

Cargo Master

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 2,230

Likes: 149

From: Higginsville, MO

i bought a three gauge set from orielly came with oil pressure, water temp, and voltage. i would suggest you do the same.

i would check it with a voltmeter just to be on the safe side but defiantly ditch those stock gauges

Apr 21, 2011 | 08:06 PM

Fordranchero

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 293

Likes: 0

From: Huntsville,Ont.

I have a new 3 gauge set I will put on tomorrow.
I seem to be hearing that these stock gauges are even crappier than the usual?

Apr 21, 2011 | 08:06 PM

oreocreaming

Postmaster

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 4,319

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From: Elk City, OK

put a test light on your glow plugs to make sure they arent staying on causing that draw in amps. your gpc can go bad and cause them to stay on. that would be my first check