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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

if its the original alternator and its not howling or whatnot as far as the bearings are concerned, I would just do brushes...thats all Im doing to my 65's....225K and 40 yrs later....

cs65

 

with a alt being so cheap i would just repalce it.