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| Crazy Ammeter https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=30425 |
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| Author: | dusterguy225 [ Thu Aug 07, 2008 6:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Crazy Ammeter |
When I start my car, sometimes the ammeter shows anywhere from 30 to 60 amps at idle, and then goes to 0 when I have been driving for a while. But, If I turn on the lights, It goes nuts. It will "wobble" very fast between -60 and 60 for a long time, even if I turn the lights off. It will only quit after a few hard accelerations. This is an aftermarket ammeter, but the one on the dash did it too. Anybody know anything about this? 
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| Author: | SlantSixDan [ Thu Aug 07, 2008 6:47 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Stop driving the car until this is fixed; you are flirting with an electrical fire that will do extensive, expensive damage to the car. There is something the matter with your voltage regulator, your alternator, and/or the wiring to those two components. Do you have a factory service manual, a multimeter, and a basic understanding of how to diagnose electrical systems? |
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| Author: | dusterguy225 [ Thu Aug 07, 2008 7:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
My car is a daily driver, so I can't have much down time. I go to school during the day and work at night. I also work on the weekends, but since this is a serious problem, I can make some sacrifices. I do not have a factory service manual, nor do I know where I can get one. I also do not know how to diagnose electrical systems, however, I do happen to have a multimeter. The voltage regulator looks new, but that doesn' mean anything. The alternator I believe is origional, but im not sure. I can't really afford any down time as I work (as mentioned above) and I do not have another car available to drive, so a quick fix is needed. I hope its cheep, because I have put more money into this car than its worth, but I love it and nothing will stop that. |
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| Author: | dusterguy225 [ Thu Aug 07, 2008 7:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Another question, just in case I have to replace the alternator, what amp is it? 50 or 65? And, what voltage regulator should I use? Auto Zone has a part number of VR733. Is this one good? I read stories on here about some cooking batts and stuff. |
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| Author: | SlantSixDan [ Thu Aug 07, 2008 8:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Do not buy any parts at AutoZone; they sell only trash. The red "service manual" text in my previous response is clickable, and links to good sources for factory service manuals. |
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| Author: | dusterguy225 [ Fri Aug 08, 2008 9:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Where should I buy my parts? I get most of my stuff from O'Reilly, and they seem to have good stuff. What part number is a good voltage regulator? I found a 1977 Motor Auto Repair Manual, but its for mopar, gm, ford, and amc. What am I looking for in the manual that I need to have? |
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| Author: | SlantSixDan [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 6:46 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
O'Reilly is a good source. Buy a reputable brand, try for Standard-BlueStreak. As for the manual, please click the red link in my first response to this post. It will tell you what you need to know about what books to buy and where to get them. |
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| Author: | dusterguy225 [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 8:16 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
What about the alternator? All they have are reman 78 amp alternators. What amp is the stock alternator? |
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| Author: | SlantSixDan [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 8:58 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
It'll be best not to guess and throw parts at the problem. Get the necessary manuals (the first tools to buy, not the last), diagnose the charging system, figure out what the problem is, and repair it. Stock alternators in '74 ranged from 35 to 65 amps, depending on vehicle equipment. "Remanufactured" alternators from the parts store (any parts store) are generally an unwise gamble; find a starter-alternator rebuilder in your area (yellow pages) and have yours rebuilt if necessary. |
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| Author: | dusterguy225 [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 11:38 am ] |
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Cool, thanks. I will try to find a manual and diagnose the problem. The manual I have says that when chrysler voltage regulators go bad, they can sometimes overcharge the batt, or send mixed signals, causing the ammeter to jump. But I will find the right manual. I will do the cheapest thing I can do right now, replace the voltage regulator. If that doesn't work, and it is the alternator, I will take your advice and have it rebuilt. |
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| Author: | dusterguy225 [ Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Well, I stopped by O'Reillys and got my alternator checked and that was good, but my voltage reg. was putting out way too much juice (about 15.5 volts at idle) So I bought a new one and this fixed the problem, for the time being. The ammeter no longer "goes nuts". Its starts a 30 amps at start, and goes back to 0 in about 10 sec, and does not fluctuate anymore. I am still trying to hunt down one of thoes manuals... |
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