View Full Version : 69 charging "problem"


kgmunro
Jun 25th, 06, 06:49 PM
When my 69 350 is idling my lights flicker,and the battery charge voltage reads low(at the battery with a meter) low 13's /high 12's. I think its kinda low for voltage.When you rev the car up slightly the volts climb to the 14's,but come back down when idling.Any thoughts as to if this is a problem or not.

JohnZ
Jun 25th, 06, 07:09 PM
Voltage regulator adjustment/replacement. You should show 13.5-14.5 volts across the battery when the system is charging, and it should charge at idle.

:beers:

click
Jun 25th, 06, 07:37 PM
check your grounds too, the one next to the battery on the fender lip, the grounds from frame to body below the firewall etc. and the grounds at the volt. regulator. :)

JimM
Jun 25th, 06, 07:43 PM
If you just repainted everything, make sure the rad support is getting a good ground too. Since it's rubber mounted, it's only connection is the 4 bolts to the fenders. I ended up attaching my lil ground wire to the rad support instead of the inner fender to get a good ground.

If you go after a new regulator, get a Wells vr715 from autozone. It's a dropin electronic replacement for the mechanical regulator, and costs 1/3 as much to boot!

A certain amount of flickering at idle is not unusual. My voltmeter flashes with the turn signals, for example, using a stock 61 amp alternator and wells reg, voltage goes from 14.5 to 13.5 with the flash of the turn signals at idle.