lights dimming
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Boca Raton Florida
lights dimming
I am new to this car (three months into restoring a barn find) and I am not sure of this, and I know you guys/gals can advise.
I noticed that, with the door open (while setting timing), the interior lights got brighter as the rpms rose.
Is this normal? OR do I have a potential problem with the alternator or voltage regulator?
thoughts?
I noticed that, with the door open (while setting timing), the interior lights got brighter as the rpms rose.
Is this normal? OR do I have a potential problem with the alternator or voltage regulator?
thoughts?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Shouldn't be dimming with an alternator. Might be bad. Regulator could be bad too. Battery might be weak too.
Cheapest way to check things out would be to take the alternator and regulator off the car and take 'em to be tested.
Most of the PEP Boys, Salvo's, AutoZones, Shucks, Kragens, etc stores will test 'em for you for free on their machines.
IF....you're into restoration, AND either the alternator or regulator is bad, don't trade 'em in as cores. They're numbered and dated if they're the originals. This applies mainly to the alternator.
Both can be rebuilt if they're the correct numbered and dated ones for your car. You can buy a cheapo replacement to get you running till you can get the originals rebuilt, IF that's the case, and IF restoration is your "bag".
You can also test the battery with a load tester. AND, you can check the firewall connections under the master cylinder to see if there's any corrosion there.
Chuck
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 56
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From: Boca Raton Florida
The belt is new and I think the right tension. I am trying to remain original. I am capable of rebuilding the original, but cannot find where to get the parts. I read some horror stories about sending out your original and not getting it back.
I don't mind spending the money as long as it is doing it one time. Spending my way through diagnosis can get expensive fast.
I don't mind spending the money as long as it is doing it one time. Spending my way through diagnosis can get expensive fast.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
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From: New Hill NC
Worked on em for more than 40 years, have yet to see one alternator or generator that put out the same voltage under load at idle. Unless the idle is jacket up, or there are some seriously overdriven pulleys. If it is idled down where it is supposed to be, the lights are going to dim at least a little compared to high RPM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Washington Michigan
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Boca Raton Florida
I am not sure if this is co-incidence, but it appears that a rather unfortunate scrape has obscured the necessary information!
What do you think?
What do you think?
Last edited by Jaxpa; Oct 31, 2011 at 08:06 PM. Reason: private file access
, 
Dennis
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 56
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From: Boca Raton Florida
my apologies guys, I cannot figure out how to share these photos yet.
I have a mac and was just moved to iCloud. I am sure it is simple to do, I just haven't figured it out yet.
I have a mac and was just moved to iCloud. I am sure it is simple to do, I just haven't figured it out yet.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 56
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From: Boca Raton Florida
Can anyone explain why it is so difficult to post a photo in this forum? now I understand why there are not more pictures.
How can this be so difficult.
I even set up internet photo accounts and cannot get them to show up in a post.
Does anyone know a shortcut?
How can this be so difficult.
I even set up internet photo accounts and cannot get them to show up in a post.
Does anyone know a shortcut?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,493
Likes: 1,178
From: Dyer, IN
Post the link for the online folder where your photos are.