1966 signal flasher

[Richard E.]

The turn signals flash slow on my 66 Corvette. The RH signal flashes maybe 1/sec and the left flashes maybe 1/2sec. The instrument panel turn signal lamp is out on the left side, but this should not affect flash rate. Front and rear signal lamps are all stock, electrical system is at correct voltage.
I may have the wrong flasher unit installed. Would appreciate recommendations on the correct flasher device and any troubleshooting suggestions. Also, is an electronic flasher available, which allows for adjustable flash rate or consistent flash rate? Thanks for all help.

[Peter L.]

Re: 1966 signal flasher

Rich - What flasher do you have in the turn signal system now?

Originally, 66 Corvettes came with a fixed-load 2-lamp flasher, either a Signal-Stat 144 or a Tung-Sol 224. The Tung-Sol 224 on early 66s had a metal cover flasher and later 66s had a plastic cover flasher. The covers on both the Signal-Stat 144 and Tung-Sol 224s were blue.

Let us know what's in the system now and I'm sure someone can help.

Pete

[Richard E.]

Re: 1966 signal flasher

Thanks for responding Pete. I have a Wagner #224 metal can flasher installed now. I had an Ideal #536 earlier which did not work either. Thank you.

[Peter L.]

Re: 1966 signal flasher

Rich - Thanks for the flasher model info. As you know, there's only one flasher in the turn signal system so if both sides aren't flashing at the same basic rate one side has a problem or infact both sides could have problems. My next shot in trouble shooting this would be to look for a grounding problem. Sometimes you can detect the signs of a grounding problem with the tail/brake lamps by having someone apply the brakes and you'll see one of the brake lamps is brighter than the other. With my 63 Impala I'd have to routinely remove and install the brake lamp sockets to re-establish a good ground. Unfortunately with Corvettes, it's not that easy. Good luck. Pete

[Richard E.]

Re: 1966 signal flasher

Peter,
I will look into the grounding and check the tail lights, thank you. This may take awhile. Appreciate your assistance.
Regards,
Rich

[Jack H.]

In addition...

to checking the ground integrity at your individual lamp locations, remove the lamp lens, pull the lamps and verify the specific bulbs that are installed. The flasher (you Waggner 224 SHOULD work properly) was intentionally designed to be lamp/load sensitive with the blink rate being 'right' when correct/functional lamps were installed that had the filament resistance profile the specific flasher was designed to drive.

If memory serves, the 2-filament lamps were #1157's and today there are quite a few 'replacement' lamps with slightly different filament resistance profiles out there. Bottom line, it takes 'two to tango'...you need both the correct flasher module as well as correct lamps installed.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 1966 signal flasher

My 67 flashed "slow" for a long time, and it was affected by engine rpm. After my complete restoration during which ALL wire connections in the harnesses as well as the grounds were cleaned (bead blasted), the system now flashes just like a new car. All lights are much brighter too, and I no longer see the rpm affect.....

[Richard E.]

Re: 1966 signal flasher

Steve,
Not exactly what I want to hear but it confirms that I have continuity problem somewhere. I'll figure it out somehow! Thank you for the input.
Regards,
Rich

[Richard E.]

Re: In addition...

Jack,
Good points, I will check each lamp and the lamp contacts. I wonder if there are any harness wires grounded to the frame that I could also check. Would you know if additional ground connections are made on the chassis besides the negative battery cable? Thank you.
Regards,
Rich

[Randy S.]

Re: 1966 signal flasher

Rich,

I tried a NCRS correct Tung Sol 224 non dot and found it to be too slow a rate. I went back to my incorrect Wagner 552 for evertday driving.

Randy

[Peter L.]

Re:Additional Ground Connections

Rich - You'll find the wiring harnesses have a number of ground wire connections. Shop Manuals, AIM, etc will help ID them. Pete

[Stephen L.]

Re: In addition...

Potential ground connection problems:

1. Ground point at battery cable to engine block
2. Ground point engine block to frame at left motor mount
3. Ground at horn relay to rad core support.
4. Ground at frame to cage (body mount #2 left side, braided cable)
5. Ground point behind radio to dash/cage bracing. This one is connected via black wire to tail lights.
6. Individual light assy grounds

Good luck....

[Jack H.]

Re: In addition...

"Would you know if additional ground connections are made on the chassis besides the negative battery cable?"

They're all over the place! Just read your copy of the AIM (wiring diagram) and you'll find the major front end components are grounded at the radiator core support (a couple of places). See the physical call out on UPC 12, Sheet A8, View A for the voltage regulator & horn relay ground. Plus, UPC 12, Sheet A10, View A for the headlight motor ground. I'm giving references based on my copy of the 1965 AIM....

For rear end components, see UPC 12, Sheet D4, and you'll see each of the tail lights, the license lamp, and the gas tank sender have individual 'home run' ground connections. These join together through the rear wiring harness and eventually reference ground back through the rear wiring harness to/through its connection to the dash harness via the body connector.

[Richard E.]

Re: 1966 signal flasher

Thank you Randy. I will try a 552 as soon as I can. It's worth a try they are not expensive and easy to replace.
Regards,
Rich

[Richard E.]

Re:Additional Ground Connections

Thanks Pete I'll dig out my manuals, I figured this would not be easy, but all the help is extremely appreciated.