anmeter needle going to the + side..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 353
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From: boulogne buenos aires
anmeter needle going to the + side..
Well my anmeter has always work on the 0 position....now the other day I went for a ride, I haven´t use the car in the last 2 weeks and wanted to drive it a little prior to my vacations... I started it and realized the anmeter needle was going to the + side...when I pumped gas it would totally hit the +..and while at idle it would go half way between 0 and +...
I stayed like that the whole ride..say 30 minutes in mild high way use...
I really never got to undestand how that gauge works or read it.. So what is it indicating the thing I describe?
I stayed like that the whole ride..say 30 minutes in mild high way use...
I really never got to undestand how that gauge works or read it.. So what is it indicating the thing I describe?
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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Your battery is probably in a state of moderate discharge and the alternator is trying to charge it. If the battery and charging system is functioning properly it should settle down after a good long drive to just to the positive side of 0.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 353
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From: boulogne buenos aires
So I guess I will need a longer run next time until it gets fully charged rigth?
Better do it tomorrow before I store the car for a month..I don´t wan´t to get back then try to start her and find a dead battery....
I have a tester at home so I will see the readings on the alt and the battery. What should I aim for? 14 v on the alt running and the same on the bat?
Thanks and sorry for the basic questions....
Better do it tomorrow before I store the car for a month..I don´t wan´t to get back then try to start her and find a dead battery....
I have a tester at home so I will see the readings on the alt and the battery. What should I aim for? 14 v on the alt running and the same on the bat?
Thanks and sorry for the basic questions....
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
From: Easton CT
Ammeter doesn't zero
I had this problem and it turned out to be a bad voltage regulator. Eventually the overvoltage boils the battery and ruins it. Check the voltage accross the battery with a hand held meter while the car is idling and the ammeter reads positive. Should be about 12.5V. Mine was 14V. Had to replace the alternator as the voltage regulator is inside it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
What you describe is 'normal' behavior. The starter puts a drain on the battery; then the alternator goes about charging it back up. That is the + amp reading you are getting. If you continue to drive the car, that reading should decrease to 0 amps in several minutes. If it does not fully charge, it may indicate a weak battery that will not accept a full charge. As mentioned above, it could also be an 'over-active' voltage regulator. If you run it a while and it stays in the + range, measure battery voltage (with engine running). If it is above 14 volts, the regulator is going bad...the battery will never charge up to 14 volts.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 353
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From: boulogne buenos aires
gee..I used the car today and gauge still goes to the + position..I drove it for say 40 minutes in higway then city traffic..so I guess the voltage regulator is going bad..will check for it with the meter after my vacations..I report back by then...damn It would kill me if I have to replace the whole alternator unit..Can it be fix? I ask cause i'm not sure If I can get sameone here and having one sent from the us would cost around 300 to my door..
now I have another thing on my list of thing to look for, new clucth will have to wait...
now I have another thing on my list of thing to look for, new clucth will have to wait...
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
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From: Cameron Park CA
The voltage regulator from '69 up is internal to the alternator. I've replaced a couple of them (regulators) over the past 40 years. Corvette Central lists one part for 69-82, part number 593090 which lists for US$20.90. There are certainly other vendors with the same part, I just happen to have their catalog at hand. If you have a non-stock alternator then that part probably won't work.
If after you have tested the charging system/battery and determine the regulator is the problem, they are pretty easy to replace if you can use basic hand tools.
If after you have tested the charging system/battery and determine the regulator is the problem, they are pretty easy to replace if you can use basic hand tools.
