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Old May 12, 2011 | 05:07 PM
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Default Voltage reading

When I first start the engine, the gauge almost pegs to max then drops off to normal after a couple of seconds. Is that normal?
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Old May 12, 2011 | 08:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Mick71
When I first start the engine, the gauge almost pegs to max then drops off to normal after a couple of seconds. Is that normal?
The output of the alternator is controlled by the regulator built inside. Is this normal? It really shouldn't peg to the right but a good instant pulse toward the charge side is normal.


Willcox
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Old May 12, 2011 | 09:04 PM
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Don't know if it's normal or not but mine does the same thing, Mine doesn't peg all the way to the right but about 3/4 for a second then back to the middle.
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Old May 12, 2011 | 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 76Vett
Don't know if it's normal or not but mine does the same thing, Mine doesn't peg all the way to the right but about 3/4 for a second then back to the middle.
pretty much normal..
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Old May 12, 2011 | 09:38 PM
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Yup, mine does it to.
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Old May 12, 2011 | 10:41 PM
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Thank you all! Feel better. Just gettin all the bugs out and that's one more thing to scratch off the list.
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Old May 12, 2011 | 11:40 PM
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Actually, if you don't have to crank the engine much for it to start, what you are seeing is NOT normal. The fact that it goes far to the right indicates that the system thinks your battery is discharged quite a bit. Then, when it comes back to a "charged" condition relatively quickly, it indicates that the battery can't accept much of a charge.

Basically, those symptoms indicate a battery that is fairly well worn out, with very little cranking capacity.
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Old May 13, 2011 | 12:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Mick71
When I first start the engine, the gauge almost pegs to max then drops off to normal after a couple of seconds. Is that normal?
Your profile says you have a 71, a 71 has an ammeter.
Are you referring to a voltmeter or ammeter ?
The ammeter is usually pretty active.
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Old May 13, 2011 | 08:26 AM
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It's the stock gauge, so it must be an ammeter. The battery isn't the best in the world either. Had one here that I used just to get the thing running. Learn something every day, thanks to all.
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