Voltmeter flutter
03-09-2013, 09:59 PM
#1
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Voltmeter flutter
My voltmeter seems to be confused. I've re-wired my 68, all new harnesses, new battery and new voltage regulator. Runs great but the voltmeter seems to be registering backwards and is fluttering to boot. Car runs great, lights are all bright, no issues. Did I do something as dumb as flipping the plug on the voltmeter connection or could it be something else? I'm going to try to fixed the issue without tearing out the center dash again. I can reach the meter from the passenger side but can't see the wires very well. Thoughts.
03-10-2013, 10:13 AM
#3
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The battery is being charged ok, the voltmeter reading is reading a negative 13 volts while under charging conditions. No drain problems on the battery even after long drives. The flutter is quick maybe like the belt is loose, but it seems tight. Man, this sounds more and more like a dump question from a typical backyard mechanic. But that's what I am. Thanks for any input. I hate electrical problems. The wipers on this 68 were interesting to get wired right, but work great.
Flutter or flick, flick, flick. Flick flick flick would be a better description.
Flutter or flick, flick, flick. Flick flick flick would be a better description.
03-10-2013, 11:46 AM
#4
Race Director
Member Since: Apr 2007
Location: South Western Ontario
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Flicking can just be the mechanical points in the regulator opening and closing. Changing the load or rpm would likely change how it works.
I'm not sure how you are reading a negative voltage since I have never seen a voltmeter in a car with a negative scale. Is this an ammeter by chance. Either way, if the scale of the meter goes negative and positive and it reads backwards then reverse the wires.
I'm not sure how you are reading a negative voltage since I have never seen a voltmeter in a car with a negative scale. Is this an ammeter by chance. Either way, if the scale of the meter goes negative and positive and it reads backwards then reverse the wires.
03-10-2013, 06:26 PM
#5
Team Owner
Most likely a voltage regulator problem. Also, you should have an ammeter...not a voltmeter.
03-10-2013, 07:15 PM
#6
Race Director
YEP...I agree...I just had one that would flick or flutter at idle. it was in the alternator. Once it was rebuilt...the amp gauge worked correctly.
As for reading backwards....switch the wires in your connector. It has happened to me also...where once I switched the wires in the two-wire connector...the amp gauge read correctly. Pull headlight switch...with ignition on...and amp gauge should go to the negative side....crank the engine..it should go to the positive side.
DUB
As for reading backwards....switch the wires in your connector. It has happened to me also...where once I switched the wires in the two-wire connector...the amp gauge read correctly. Pull headlight switch...with ignition on...and amp gauge should go to the negative side....crank the engine..it should go to the positive side.
DUB
