1980 Corvette Volt Gauge
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 3
From: Palmyra NY
1980 Corvette Volt Gauge
Hey Guy's. Please take a look at the RED line on this gauge. This is where my needle is when I drive my car. Does this look normal to you? My mechanic says it's fine but shouldn't be closer to the "13" mark? Thanks, Don
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 254
From: Downers Grove Illinois
Mine is close to that high until I drive around a little while and the battery is "topped off". I think I am at 14.8 volts when the car first starts and 13.8-14 after I have driven it around a while. Verify the reading with a voltmeter.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,736
Likes: 2,582
Volts
As Jim noted you have to check it with an external voltmeter to determine if it is charging too much. How old is the battery?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
If you do not have a digital voltmeter, get one at wallmart or harbor freight. You would know the answer to your problem in about 30 sec.
I like to see what the bat voltage is BEFORE starting. Like 12.5 or so. Good way to check calibration of the dash gage. Then the alternator should kick up the voltage ABOVE this reading to indicate that it is charging, and stay there. Volts will vary somewhat due to batt condition and temperature.
Above 15 V or so means there is an overcharging condition. Check grounds and terminals for looseness/corrosion first.
I like to see what the bat voltage is BEFORE starting. Like 12.5 or so. Good way to check calibration of the dash gage. Then the alternator should kick up the voltage ABOVE this reading to indicate that it is charging, and stay there. Volts will vary somewhat due to batt condition and temperature.
Above 15 V or so means there is an overcharging condition. Check grounds and terminals for looseness/corrosion first.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Measure the actual voltage with car running, no lights or accessories on, and with it already fully charged. If is measures around 13.5 volts, your car is fine...even if the gauge reads higher than expected. This would indicate that your gauge is innacturate and reading somewhat higher than it should. No big deal....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Mine does the exact same thing. When checked with a voltmeter as discussed, I'm right where I should be. Rebuilt my alternator two years ago, new regulator and diodes - no change. Gauge is merely reading 1 volt too high in my case. I've just learned to live with it. If as has been stated the voltmeter checks out, don't sweat the gauge.