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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

headlights and ammeter

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Old Jul 29, 2002 | 02:19 PM
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From: chaplin usa
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[updated:LAST EDITED ON 29-Jul-02 AT 03:22 PM (EST)]My names David ,I have a 1979 f250, everything under the hood is new .A friend and I built a 351 windsor with alot of goodies. It has been in the truck ayear now, and now out of the blue the headlights are pulsating and even with them off my ammeter needle constantly jumps to the right. Alt, voltage regulator were all new. Can anybody tell me what to do? Thanks
 
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Old Jul 29, 2002 | 02:24 PM
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headlights and ammeter

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 29-Jul-02 AT 03:25 PM (EST)]I'm no electrical expert, but I'd start by checking the obvious....connections. Since you rebuilt this motor(and you obviously had the engine out and then back in the truck) make sure your ground is good. Check all wiring to make sure connections are tight then proceed from there.

Ron



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Old Jul 29, 2002 | 02:25 PM
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headlights and ammeter

my '86 is doing the exact same thing. It is internally regulated, and I am assuming that it is the voltage regulator. Am I right?
 
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Old Jul 29, 2002 | 03:11 PM
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headlights and ammeter

Thanks for the quick response, I checked all grounds and they seem to be good and tight. could it be in the alt?
 
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Old Jul 29, 2002 | 04:51 PM
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headlights and ammeter

The easy way to find out is take it to AutoZone/Advance Auto, etc. I know the two I mentioned here will check your alternator for free.

Ron
 
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Old Aug 12, 2002 | 09:41 PM
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From: chaplin usa
headlights and ammeter

Well its been awhile since I posted my problem and I have gone to an electrical shop they swore it was the voltage regulater, so I replaced it still no luck, took the alternater and had it checked they said it was perfect. I have grounds from hood to cab from frame to fenderwell from block to firewall and neg battery terminal to block.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2002 | 12:09 AM
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headlights and ammeter

Try changing the light switch, they have a circut breaker built in, and, they do tend to get weak after it's been tripped once or twice and cause the lights to flash on and off.
Evan
86 F250 HD XLT Lariat Explorer 4x4:
460/T19/BW 13450 3.55 geared Full Floater 10.25 and Dana 50 TTB
1982 F100 SWB
300 HD: NP 435/2.75 geared 9"
78 F150, 351M/C6, soon to be repowered with a 400
 
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Old Aug 13, 2002 | 10:41 AM
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From: chaplin usa
headlights and ammeter

well the headlights are not going off but they kinda just pulsate . when the moter is reved a little they pulsate faster at the same time my ammeter needle is jumping with the pulsating lights.?
 
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Old Aug 13, 2002 | 10:55 AM
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headlights and ammeter

Just thought I,d add that I put a new dimmer switch in a year ago. But I know thing s can still go bad.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2002 | 03:27 PM
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headlights and ammeter

In my 86 i replaced the headlight switch and it did not help. Any other suggestions?
 
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Old Aug 13, 2002 | 08:18 PM
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