Voltage fluctuates

[Todd in PA]

The voltage fluctuates @ above idle. Needle on ammeter bounces back and forth quickly. Could this be a bad regulator (cut out replacement type).

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Could be several things from a loose connection, weak brush springs, bad armature windings, to a bad battery.

 

[Todd in PA]

Tom,
thank you,
I will check all out later this week.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

Add bad meter to the mix. FYI the ammeter reads current (amps).

 

[Benson]

The voltage fluctuates @ above idle. Needle on ammeter bounces back and forth quickly. Could this be a bad regulator (cut out replacement type).

Sounds like this a Fun Projects voltage regulator? Maybe John Regan could help.

1. FYI: If so do you know that "flashing" the generator or jumping the terminals on the regulator when it is installed in the car will destroy the electronics?

It is all explained in the installation instruction PDF file on John's website.

2. My alternator makes the needle jump around at low speed if the belt is loose enough to slip.

 

[Todd in PA]

My bad meant to say amps.

 

[Todd in PA]

Benson,
Thnx for the response.
Correct it is Fun Projects. I followed the instructions and was careful to not to flash or cross the wires.
At idle the amp meter is steady @ "0" rev it up the needle bounces back and forth.

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

"MAYBE" it's just "NORMAL" regulator action????
Put a VOLT METER across the battery posts & see if it's doin' similar things there.
Bill W.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

My bad meant to say amps.

I did not mean to insult, some don't know the difference.

 

[CYB4]

I have this regulator also and never noticed that at the amp-meter. At idle, it shows about 0 Amps, at higher speeds it shows some constant positive amps. Check your electrical system and ask John about the problem.

 

[Todd in PA]

I did not mean to insult, some don't know the difference.

Mike,
I didn't get insulted, we're good. After 10 years of owning the "A" I still struggle with the positive ground thing, my brain just shorts whenever think about the electrical system.

 

[hale1776]

All ammeters jiggle, its those nasty points opening and closing and making annoying requests for power. If you pull coil wire the jiggle will stop.

 

[Todd in PA]

I have this regulator also and never noticed that at the amp-meter. At idle, it shows about 0 Amps, at higher speeds it shows some constant positive amps. Check your electrical system and ask John about the problem.

Chris,
Thanks for the suggestion I just sent a note to John.

 

[Todd in PA]

Update, Turns out to be generator is at fault, will need to determine exactly what part.
Thanks to John @ Fun Projects for helping determine it was generator. Great service.

Thank you to all who also provided guidance.