67 Ammeter/Charging Issue - NCRS Discussion Boards

67 Ammeter/Charging Issue

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  • Salvatore I.
    Expired
    • April 1, 2004
    • 114

    67 Ammeter/Charging Issue

    I was getting swings in the charge rate to the battery and so I have just replaced my voltage regulator. The ammeter is now reading very wildly... I believe the connector was installed correctly on the base of the regulator. The car shows a negative draw when the lights are turned on and moves to the right of the 0 center line when the engine speed increases.

    The issue is the readings are very extreme. For example, at idle with the headlights on, the ammeter registers a -20 reading....when the idle increases, the ammeter then shows a +20 reading that gradually works back to the 0 line.

    At highway speed, the ammeter is showing a slightly negative (-1) reading, just to the left of the 0 line. At normal idle with little draw on the battery, the ammeter is moving all over the place.

    I checked the charging rate at the battery. When the engine is just started the charge is at 14-14.5 at high idle. As the engine reaches normal operating temp, the charging rate drops to below 11-11.5. I shut the car down and retested with pretty much the same result.

    The alternator was replaced last year (less than 1500 miles ago) with a correct, dated unit.

    Can the alternator need some work?
    Should I replace the regulator?
    Can the ammeter be adjusted?

    New to many technical issues with my 67, so I may not have done other tests or know how to do other tests to confirm which part is toast.

    Appreciate any guidance. Thanks.
  • Albert P.
    Expired
    • April 1, 2006
    • 205

    #2
    Re: 67 Ammeter/Charging Issue

    It may be a bad diode in the rectifier bridge in your alternator; follow the instructions in the shop manual as it's pretty easy to check.

    Comment

    • Tim E.
      Very Frequent User
      • April 1, 1993
      • 360

      #3
      Re: 67 Ammeter/Charging Issue

      One suggestion would be to remove both the alternator and regulator and have them tested together at a local alternator and starter motor shop. The guys at the local shops have both the knowledge and equipment to conduct the tests. The car parts places may have the equipment, but not all the employees know how to find the right pigtail, hook it up, and interpret the readings.

      With the help of the shop manual and a wiring diagram, check for continuity at each wire in the charging circuit. Tight, corrosion free connections are important. In addition to the diode checks mentioned earlier, the shop manual has some basic tests for the regulator and for the charge circuit wiring.

      There's not an adjustment at the ammeter that I'm aware of.

      Comment

      • Salvatore I.
        Expired
        • April 1, 2004
        • 114

        #4
        Re: 67 Ammeter/Charging Issue

        Thanks for the feedback....I think bringing it to a local shop that can dignose and repair is the best overall solution....

        Comment

        • Gerard F.
          Extremely Frequent Poster
          • June 30, 2004
          • 3806

          #5
          Re: 67 Ammeter/Charging Issue

          Sal,

          That low voltage reading at operating temperature is suspect. See your Service Manual on the regulator, there is an adjustment on the regulator for voltage. Maybe it is set too low.

          The other thing it could be is one or more of the diodes in the alternater are going flakey when you heat up.

          Jerry Fuccillo
          #42179
          Jerry Fuccillo
          1967 327/300 Convertible since 1968

          Comment

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