3 electrical issues, but it running!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northeast, OK
Well, yes if using a true voltage regulator. But if you have an ICVR the reading on your meter will vary a bit depending on several factors such as the input voltage, the amount of gas in the tank, the oil pressure and coolant temp, and your meter. The ICVR is the most crude device I've ever seen for regulating voltage, and to call it a voltage regulator is a travisty. But, let's just say you will see "regulated voltage" at the terminal on the various senders. What that voltage is will vary with many factors but it will be far less than battery voltage.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Connecticut
True, But with a "cold" not running engine with Key on Engine off, there should be voltage "in the wire" to the senders. Just wondering what that voltagee would be?
(1/2 tank gas, no oil pressure, cold eng.)
(1/2 tank gas, no oil pressure, cold eng.)
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
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From: Northeast, OK
No, with the key off there should not be any voltage. Sorry, missed that. Only with the key on as the gauges pull significant current that would, over a few days, kill the battery. But with the key on and the engine either running or not there should be about 5 - 6 volts, using the DC voltage scale, showing at each sensor.
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Well, yes if using a true voltage regulator. But if you have an ICVR the reading on your meter will vary a bit depending on several factors such as the input voltage, the amount of gas in the tank, the oil pressure and coolant temp, and your meter. The ICVR is the most crude device I've ever seen for regulating voltage, and to call it a voltage regulator is a travisty. But, let's just say you will see "regulated voltage" at the terminal on the various senders. What that voltage is will vary with many factors but it will be far less than battery voltage.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
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From: Northeast, OK
Yeah, but that was 50 years ago and these trucks are 30 years old. And, from what I've read, this design was to allow Ford to continue to use the gauge system they had on the 6v systems when they converted to 12v.
But, as I re-read what I wrote I realize I was a bit off base with what I said - the ICVR does not regulate voltage in any way. It chops the voltage into very crude spikes and that regulates the heat (current x voltage), which is what our gauges work from. So they worked, sorta, when new. Now? Not so much.
But, as I re-read what I wrote I realize I was a bit off base with what I said - the ICVR does not regulate voltage in any way. It chops the voltage into very crude spikes and that regulates the heat (current x voltage), which is what our gauges work from. So they worked, sorta, when new. Now? Not so much.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Connecticut
Good, I have no voltage at sensors, (with key on engine off).
Now just have to pull the cluster and see if voltage is going to the IVR.
The fuse to the cluster tests good.
By the way, how to remove the printed circuit from regulator?
Now just have to pull the cluster and see if voltage is going to the IVR.
The fuse to the cluster tests good.
By the way, how to remove the printed circuit from regulator?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
The ICVR is held down by a screw, which is its ground, and connects to the printed circuit via snap-in connectors like a 9v battery uses. So unscrew and then gently pry it off.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Connecticut
Sweet. Thanks Gary
(I know I'm a pain with all the questions, got-ta learn somehow)
With all the hacked wires, gas dumping in the carb, flipped from a 351 to a 302,
it is a challenge.
Then sitting by my warm wood stove in the basement looking through a box of Ford goodies I have, I find a brandie-new NOS Duraspark module for my (ex) '76 Bronco with a 302.
May start all over and do Duraspark conversion.
But I have not decided to go that route....yet.
Gonna try The TFI first.
(I know I'm a pain with all the questions, got-ta learn somehow)
With all the hacked wires, gas dumping in the carb, flipped from a 351 to a 302,
it is a challenge.
Then sitting by my warm wood stove in the basement looking through a box of Ford goodies I have, I find a brandie-new NOS Duraspark module for my (ex) '76 Bronco with a 302.
May start all over and do Duraspark conversion.
But I have not decided to go that route....yet.
Gonna try The TFI first.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
You aren't a pain because you listen and are logical. It is fun to help people that are interested in learning.
As for ignition, I'd get it going with what you have and then convert to DS-II later. IOW, don't introduce complications in the middle of problem solving.
As for ignition, I'd get it going with what you have and then convert to DS-II later. IOW, don't introduce complications in the middle of problem solving.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,789
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From: Connecticut
You are right, like I mentioned, get this running with TFI, this is my Sunday cruiser, car show-night rig. No heavy 4x4 running, and will be put away for winter time.
If it can come to life and act "normal' after the "abusive previous owner"
nothing will be modified. just want it to go down the road reliably.
If I have step one of a Duraspark conversion in-hand....the box!
BTW, IOW?
If it can come to life and act "normal' after the "abusive previous owner"
nothing will be modified. just want it to go down the road reliably.
If I have step one of a Duraspark conversion in-hand....the box!
BTW, IOW?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Chris is probably right. Wikipedia says '76 was when the DS-II came out, but you never want to put all your faith in their statements. In any event it might be a I or a II. Does it have a blue grommet where the wires come out? If so it should be not only a II but the best of them.
And, BTW is "by the way". IOW is "in other words". Sorry.
And, BTW is "by the way". IOW is "in other words". Sorry.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,789
Likes: 26
From: Connecticut
Wish the wife would say something like that!