Alternator gauge
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Alternator gauge
I hope someone can help me. My alternator gauge is always either reads right in the middle between charge and discharge or if the light are on or other accs. reads discharge. Also when I rev the engine the alt gauge doesn't move at all, I know the system is charging, it has a new alt. and voltage reg. and when I use a voltmeter with the eng running I get anywhere from 13.5 to 14+ volts. This is a 1973 F350 camper special with a 390ci engine.
Thank you in advance.
marty60
Thank you in advance.
marty60
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
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It's called an AMMETER.
What you describe is normal.
It has to do with the Voltage regulator.
The VR doesn't kick in until about 850 rpm so any reading at idle will show slight discharge.
If you do some tests of current drain (putting on Headlights.... then heater motor.... then windshield wipers) at idle....... then again at 1000 rpm you will notice what is going on with the charging system.
The Alternator / VR really only "top up" the battery.
When they are doing that ..the ammeter will read on the + side until the battery is charged right up then they go back to the 0 (center of gauge) ....unless the ammeter doesn't work anymore.
They are prone to going bad.
You have a voltmeter.. that's really all you need.
What you describe is normal.
It has to do with the Voltage regulator.
The VR doesn't kick in until about 850 rpm so any reading at idle will show slight discharge.
If you do some tests of current drain (putting on Headlights.... then heater motor.... then windshield wipers) at idle....... then again at 1000 rpm you will notice what is going on with the charging system.
The Alternator / VR really only "top up" the battery.
When they are doing that ..the ammeter will read on the + side until the battery is charged right up then they go back to the 0 (center of gauge) ....unless the ammeter doesn't work anymore.
They are prone to going bad.
You have a voltmeter.. that's really all you need.
Last edited by Mil1ion; Aug 9, 2007 at 12:51 PM.
