John,
I am not familiar with the '70's, but I may be able to help you out. I
checked the wiring diagram on 311s and think it is not correct in the
area of the alternator. It appears the ammeter is shown to be wired
between the loads and the battery, and the alternator is connected
directly to the battery. This would cause the ammeter to always show a
discharge, which isn't correct.
Does anyone know of a different wiring diagram out on the net?
Now for generic troubleshooting. Check any connector around the
alternator and regulator for corrosion. Also, you say that the in line
fuse for the alternator looks good, check the contacts there as well as
the connections where that fuse holder is spliced into the harness for
corrosion. I'd try replacing the fuse to see if it might have an
internal intermittent.
I doubt that replacing the fuse block will take care of this problem.
When you say that the ammeter "drops", how far, center, negative, less
positive?
This will be a good start at troubleshooting this problem. If this
doesn't find the problem please let me know and we can go further.
Good luck.
Peace,
Pat
John Sugar wrote:
>I have a 1970 SRL that's pretty stock. Lately, after the battery has charged
>from running, the ammeter has a "tick" to it. It regularly, drops for just a
>moment, and then returns to normal. When the lights are on, at night, they
>dim momentarily, as if the electical system voltage drops for a moment. This
>happens every few seconds. To deal with it, my children have replaced the
>voltage regulator, and then, when that didn't solve it, the alternator (with
>some of my help). Still, the tick goes on. We have a new fuse box (it
>doesn't seem like that should be an issue) and a fuse in the line between the
>alternator and the ammeter...which is looking good) The tick doesn't seem to
>affect starting, or be an issue when the battery is charging right after
>starting the engine.
>
> Any ideas of what we should check next?
>
> John Sugar
> Sacramento
>
>
--
-- Support Habitat for Humanity - a hand UP, not a hand OUT --
|