Voltmeter question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 1
From: Topeka-Pothole capital of the universe
Voltmeter question
When starting the 78, the voltmeter registers between 8 and 13. The lights and accessories all dim or run slow. Once I hit a fairly hard acceleration, the meter jumps up to normal and all lights and accessories work normal. Everything seems to run normal at that point. I have no problems starting the car. The alt belt tension seems okay.
I had the altermator tested today, and it checked out okay. The battery is just over a year old.
This does this regardless whether the engine is hot or cold.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
TFeld78
I had the altermator tested today, and it checked out okay. The battery is just over a year old.
This does this regardless whether the engine is hot or cold.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
TFeld78
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 1
From: Topeka-Pothole capital of the universe
Re: Voltmeter question (Spook)
Yes, the pulley is normal. There have been no changes or adjustments to any of the electrical components since replacing the battery last summer.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Re: Voltmeter question (TFeld78)
:rolleyes: That sounds like a one wire alternator. Which is the disadvantage of using a one wire alt is they need some rpm to start charging. Why? I’m sorry but I can’t recall other than I read a mag comparison of after market alternators. Also early ‘70s alternators had bad low rpm output. GM didn’t install good low rpm output alternators until the med ‘80s.
Now I did find a good idea by High Performance Chevy mag to troubleshoot for bad connectors. Check the out put (with a hand held voltmeter) right at the alternator output terminal (with car running) and ground probe on case. Next check voltage at battery terminals. If more 0.4V difference you have bad connections or even the charge wire could be too small. YouÂ’ll need a good wiring diagram to troubleshoot wire to wire and connector to connector.
Happy hunting. :D cardo0
[Modified by cardo0, 9:32 PM 11/16/2003]
Now I did find a good idea by High Performance Chevy mag to troubleshoot for bad connectors. Check the out put (with a hand held voltmeter) right at the alternator output terminal (with car running) and ground probe on case. Next check voltage at battery terminals. If more 0.4V difference you have bad connections or even the charge wire could be too small. YouÂ’ll need a good wiring diagram to troubleshoot wire to wire and connector to connector.
Happy hunting. :D cardo0
[Modified by cardo0, 9:32 PM 11/16/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Voltmeter question (cardo0)
That is also symptom of a burnt out gen/alt/bat red light in the dash panel...
if the bulb is not hooked up or burnt out, that regulator will act that way.....
GENE
if the bulb is not hooked up or burnt out, that regulator will act that way.....
GENE
