Alternator question for the '66

[dlrshort]

Being a new C2 owner, I need to ask more questions. Is it normal to have the amp meter read '0' during accelleration and at crusing rpm's? I know the meter is working as it does go into the discharge at the first 'click' of the directionals.

Dave S.

 

[magicv8]

Providing your battery is fully charged - yes.

The meter is a galvanometer set up to read the voltage difference between the horn relay and the starter.

If the voltage is the same - you see zero.
If the starter shows higher voltage - the "ammeter" reads discharge.
If the relay is higher, it reads charge "amps"

 

[dlrshort]

Dave (or anybody out there), when I turn on the headlights, the needle drops a small amount below zero, but returns to zero when lightly accelerating and goes back below zero when idleing. Does this seem right?

Dave S.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Dave (or anybody out there), when I turn on the headlights, the needle drops a small amount below zero, but returns to zero when lightly accelerating and goes back below zero when idleing. Does this seem right?

Dave S.

Yup. Perfectly normal.

At idle most alternators (and generators) do not produce enough juice to maintain status quo, so the regulator isolates them from the system and you run the car on battery power.

 

[dlrshort]

Thanks for all your help guys.

Dave