1974 Charging Indication on Ammeter

[Robert S.]

My 74' has an as - manufactured electrical system. I have owned the car for over 10 yrs and after starting the ammeter on the center panel would always show a strong charge indication returning to a neutral to slightly positive charge indication after a short period of time. I always considered this a normal condition. Recently after cold starting the car the ammeter needle stays in a neutral position even though the engine is running at high idle. If however I blip the throttle (with the clutch depressed) the needle will snap over to a strong charge indication and then slowly return to a neutral to slightly positive charge indication. After that on subsequent starts the ammeter acts normally. The battery seems to stay charged and the car always starts even if it sits for several weeks.
Any ideas what is causing the ammeter needle to act in this way and any negative consequences if the issue is not addressed?

[Leif A.]

Re: 1974 Charging Indication on Ammeter

Sounds like a voltage regulator issue. I believe your car has an internal voltage regulator in your alternator.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1974 Charging Indication on Ammeter

My 74' has an as - manufactured electrical system. I have owned the car for over 10 yrs and after starting the ammeter on the center panel would always show a strong charge indication returning to a neutral to slightly positive charge indication after a short period of time. I always considered this a normal condition. Recently after cold starting the car the ammeter needle stays in a neutral position even though the engine is running at high idle. If however I blip the throttle (with the clutch depressed) the needle will snap over to a strong charge indication and then slowly return to a neutral to slightly positive charge indication. After that on subsequent starts the ammeter acts normally. The battery seems to stay charged and the car always starts even if it sits for several weeks.
Any ideas what is causing the ammeter needle to act in this way and any negative consequences if the issue is not addressed?

Alternators have a "turn on" voltage. Sounds like that you are not getting that until you blip the throttle.