On a recent drive I noticed the battery gauge indicated a discharge condition with the headlights on and pegged at zero when they were off for my '64 327/300 convertible. I replaced the voltage regulator with a new one from LICS and all seems fine except the battery gauge is now very "shakey" at idle just above zero and can go almost to 40 momentarily as the engine is revved. It then settles back to halfway between zero and 40 at typical crusing rpm of 2,500. The alternator and battery seem fine as I have observed the following readings:
Battery output - 13V
Alternator output with no accessories on at idle - 14V
Alternator output with accessories and headlights on at idle - 13.5V
Alternator output with accessories and brights on at idle - 13V
Putting my battery charger on the battery shows that it is fully charged. Revving the engine even slightly above idle (i.e 750 to 1,000 rpms) will give a solid 14V reading from the alternator under all conditions shown above.
I am thinking there is a problem with the battery gauge. Is this correct or is there somewhere else I should look? The alternator is not original. It was purchased from mid-America about five years ago and was advertised as being the proper replacement for the car. I have been keeping an eye out for a correct dated alternator to eventually replace this unit.
Off hand I am not sure what the amperage is for the alternator that I have. Since it is a rebuilt unit, I don't think what is marked on the case is necessarily accurate. Could a high amperage alternator cause the battery gauge to act this way? Doesn't the voltage regulator adjust for excessive output?
Thanks in advance.
Battery output - 13V
Alternator output with no accessories on at idle - 14V
Alternator output with accessories and headlights on at idle - 13.5V
Alternator output with accessories and brights on at idle - 13V
Putting my battery charger on the battery shows that it is fully charged. Revving the engine even slightly above idle (i.e 750 to 1,000 rpms) will give a solid 14V reading from the alternator under all conditions shown above.
I am thinking there is a problem with the battery gauge. Is this correct or is there somewhere else I should look? The alternator is not original. It was purchased from mid-America about five years ago and was advertised as being the proper replacement for the car. I have been keeping an eye out for a correct dated alternator to eventually replace this unit.
Off hand I am not sure what the amperage is for the alternator that I have. Since it is a rebuilt unit, I don't think what is marked on the case is necessarily accurate. Could a high amperage alternator cause the battery gauge to act this way? Doesn't the voltage regulator adjust for excessive output?
Thanks in advance.
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