Guys,


Today, I was replacing an oil line to my oil pressure gauge on 67 and wouldnt you know, my wrench hit the ammeter gauge and sparked (didnt disconnect battery...doh)

Now, my ammeter gauge doesnt move. its stuck on - 1/4 way from center. I took the cover off the gauges and tried to move the ammeter gauge needle. I can move it, but it doesnt return to center.

To add to this, when I measure the voltage accros the battery at idle, I get about 12.15 Volts (not the 14 that I should be getting).

I replaced a section of the wire harness to the horn relay a few weeks ago and the ammeter was still working, but I never checked the voltage to the battery.

I put on a spare voltage regulator and noticed no change.

I had the guys at the parts store test my alternator and they said it was good and the diodes were good.

Have I fried my ammeter? Do I need a new wire harness (original one that old owner hacked anyway, but I managed to get it working correctly a few years ago).

thanks guys

I would do some more checking. Go to madelectrical.com, they've got some good info on testing and building charging systems. It appears that, while your alternator is good, your car is no longher "turning it on". This is done by a signal on the white wire, thru the gen light on a non guage car, not sure where it comes from with factory guages tho.

You can hope your ammeter is still good, it's just reading reality (was that a quarter way on the discharge side?)... your car is running off the battery and your charging system is inoperative.

I read that site and dont see too much about testing the system. Is there a way to test the white wire? Should I see a certain voltage?

thanks