In a message dated 6/1/99 12:41:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
neil.mcallister@fvrl.bc.ca writes:
>
> Hi Dan,
>
> Please tell me what to do oh great electrical guru:
>
> 1980 1500 mostly stock but with a 1980 GM alternator.
>
> My red light is always on dimly (can't be seen in direct sunlight, can be
> seen
> in garage) when the motor is running. It has done this ever since I bought
> it.
> Changes in RPM has no effect. Putting on the headlights makes it slightly
> brighter.
>
> Voltmeter at battrey shows steady 15v.; about 13.5v - 14v. with headlights
> on.
> Battrey is new. Every bulb, instrument, motor, etc... on the car works
> just
> fine. I've cleaned every connection I can lay my hands on. Any ideas??
Neil,
My guess is you've got a slightly faulty alternator. It seems to be working
OK, so I wouldn't worry about it. If you're getting 15 volts at the battery,
and the battery is staying charged, then there's no problem of any
seriousness.
When you say you get 13.4 - 14 volts with the headlights on, what rpm is the
engine turning? If it's over 1500 rpm, your alternator may be a bit weak. A
weak alternator is usually indicative of a defective regulator circuit or bad
diodes, which can also be the cause of the light staying on when it shouldn't.
Dan Masters,
Alcoa, TN
'71 TR6---------3000mile/year driver, fully restored
'71 TR6---------undergoing full restoration and Ford 5.0 V8 insertion - see:
http://members.aol.com/danmas/
'74 MGBGT---3000mile/year driver, original condition - slated for a V8 soon
'68 MGBGT---organ donor for the '74
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