1962 electrical help
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5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5
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1962 electrical help
I have a 1962 vette. My Amp Meter always reads negative. I have had the generator rebuilt, and installed a new voltage regulator. I have also installed a complete new engine wiring harness. To trace the problem, what readings should I have 1) at the generator "A" terminal, "F" terminal? I have a good voltage / Amp tester. Where should I put the + and - testers to get the readings.
What should my readings be at the voltage regulator if I test between the "Bat" connector and ground?
Which terminal should the 12 ga Red wire that runs to the Amp Meter be connected to? I have it connected to the negative (-) side.
There is a 12 ga Black wire that goes from my Pos (+) side of the meter back to the "B" terminal on the starter solenoid. The heavy guage Red #6 guage battery wire then runs to the Positive (+) side of my battery.
What should my readings be at the voltage regulator if I test between the "Bat" connector and ground?
Which terminal should the 12 ga Red wire that runs to the Amp Meter be connected to? I have it connected to the negative (-) side.
There is a 12 ga Black wire that goes from my Pos (+) side of the meter back to the "B" terminal on the starter solenoid. The heavy guage Red #6 guage battery wire then runs to the Positive (+) side of my battery.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
It probably reads negative because it's connected backwards - all the 1962 Corvette wiring diagrams except the one in the Assembly Manual are wrong, and show the ammeter connections backwards. The main feed from the battery cable terminal on the starter solenoid (12-ga. black wire) should be connected to the ammeter terminal closest to the driver's door, and all the feeds (red wires) should be connected to the ammeter terminal closest to the passenger side door. This error (and the correct connections) have been shown for many years in the NCRS 1953-1972 Corvette Wiring Diagram Book. 
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 424
Likes: 1
From: Woonsocket RI
Just a suggestion: you might want to install a fusible link at the starter to protect the feed to the amp gauge if a short develops it will protect your main & ignition harnesses.
It's worth it, don't ask me how I know.
It's worth it, don't ask me how I know.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
It probably reads negative because it's connected backwards - all the 1962 Corvette wiring diagrams except the one in the Assembly Manual are wrong, and show the ammeter connections backwards. The main feed from the battery cable terminal on the starter solenoid (12-ga. black wire) should be connected to the ammeter terminal closest to the driver's door, and all the feeds (red wires) should be connected to the ammeter terminal closest to the passenger side door. This error (and the correct connections) have been shown for many years in the NCRS 1953-1972 Corvette Wiring Diagram Book.
Especially if you aren't having other symptoms of a discharge; battery dead, no starting, lights dim, etc.. This is a common C1 'gotcha'...Seriously consider the prior fusible link suggestion or for slightly less protection (but entirely invisible) put a blade type fuse and holder on the back of the ammeter gauge in the wire coming from the starter. Plenty of info on this via a forum search.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Sep 18, 2008 at 03:55 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Flint MI: Birthplace of the Corvette
Have you polarized the generator?
Disconnect the Field wire from the Regulator.
Momentarily touch the Field wire to the "BAT" Terminal on the Regulator.
Just to spark, do not hold on longer than 1 - 2 seconds
Reconnect Field wire & Start Vehicle
Dave T.
Disconnect the Field wire from the Regulator.
Momentarily touch the Field wire to the "BAT" Terminal on the Regulator.
Just to spark, do not hold on longer than 1 - 2 seconds
Reconnect Field wire & Start Vehicle
Dave T.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
JohnZ said all the wiring diagrams EXCEPT the AIM were wrong, but that is what you stated you used ... if so you should be wired properly. So you COULD have a different problem - polarization perhaps.
BTW - if you get tired of screwing with that crummy mechanical V/R I have a guy that makes a solid state conversion. Its the ONLY place to get one for a generator car and its all built into the original V/R housing and undetectable.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Sep 19, 2008 at 09:02 AM.
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