My first 6v positive ground question ??

[Palermo]

Hi guys,
I’m new to 6v positive ground and was wondering if this is normal
I’ve had this car for 2 months now.. daily driver!
When I turn the headlights on at idle there is a voltage drop but as soon as I start putting along (higher rpm) it shoots up. Haven’t had any battery issue but just wondering if this is normal?
Thank you!!

 

[aussie merc]

sounds normal just remember 6v requires you to keep up with electrical mantaince [voltage drop kills 6v there aint a lot to loose to start with.] if you have any doubts get a good electrician[auto] to give it a health check + earth gets a little more interesting as it generally rules out l.e.d. conversions but it works and cared for correctly works well [they all made 6 v positive earth at some stage and was previously the normal not the exception

 

[51woodie]

Palermo. Six volt positive ground is the way the car was built in the day. You mentioned the voltmeter. Unless the gauges were modified, what you are looking at is an amp meter, which indicated the electrical load on the battery. At idle with lights on, the generator is not putting out enough power, so some of the load is taken by the battery. At speed, the generator can handle the load of the lights, as well as enough to charge the battery. It appears to me, that your electrical system is performing as Henry built it.
This is a pic of the gauges on my'46 Coupe at idle.

 

[corvette8n]

Sounds normal but it wouldn’t hurt to unhook your grounds and wire brush/sand whatever you need to do to get them clean and bright then reconnect and tighten securely.

 

[RalphG]

Same thing on my 52 Merc. All original and at slow idle the ammeter barely shows any charge. Speed it up just a bit and the needle goes up. Quite normal I'd say.

 

[Palermo]

Palermo. Six volt positive ground is the way the car was built in the day. You mentioned the voltmeter. Unless the gauges were modified, what you are looking at is an amp meter, which indicated the electrical load on the battery. At idle with lights on, the generator is not putting out enough power, so some of the load is taken by the battery. At speed, the generator can handle the load of the lights, as well as enough to charge the battery. It appears to me, that your electrical system is performing as Henry built it.
This is a pic of the gauges on my'46 Coupe at idle.

Awesome thank you for the reply!!