Irratic ammeter

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Aug 26, 2005 | 08:55 AM

59INA40

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From: willamette valley ore

Irratic ammeter

So far only when I need the headlights, the ammeter needle jumps wildly. I,ve had a discharge situation before but this is the first time that I have seen this behavior in an amp gauge. I've had this truck ('65 F250 W/352) since 1977. Does this sound like the voltage regulator to you. Thanks, Steve

Aug 26, 2005 | 09:01 AM

59INA40

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From: willamette valley ore

Make that erratic ammeter. Something didn't look right. Steve

Aug 26, 2005 | 09:28 AM

PROSTOCK

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From: Central Texas

Mine did the same. Alternator died soon after. Once replaced, all is fine.

Aug 26, 2005 | 10:57 AM

Flip4ford

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From: Newton America :-P

I had the same problenm and it was the voltage regulator.... cheap to buy a snap to replace

Aug 26, 2005 | 03:03 PM

camperspecial65

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From: seattle

I had same issue with mine last yr...was tired original alternator...probably brushes need replacing....a 5 buck part at most stores...easy to r&r too....

cs65

Aug 26, 2005 | 03:39 PM

59INA40

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From: willamette valley ore

cs65, you got me to thinking about rebuilding my alternator. Brushes are a good start. Then I suppose that the bearings should be replaced and how about the diode - it's going to give up sooner or later. Wow, sounds like it could get pretty involved with parts and time. If it turns out to be the alternator, I think I'll just replace it and get it over with. Thanks to all for the advice. Steve

Aug 26, 2005 | 03:52 PM

ford390gashog

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From: Brentwood,CA

just repalce both the alt and the regulator at the same time. lots of times the new alt will fry the old regulator. www.kragen.com they used to sell a alt for 17.99. maybe they still do.