67 amp gauge

[Robert B.]

My amp gauge stays in the neg.- area while there is nothing being used but, when using the lights ect. it flutters a bit towards the pos.+ Seems as though the gauge needs to be changed but would hate to change it and find out it is not the problem. What needs to be checked before I get into the cluster. Thanks to all who respond

[Jack H.]

Re: 67 amp gauge

You could have that symptom from several areas...

The alt is a 3-phase bridge design. If, say one diode, was reverse leaking, you could get low output until the external voltage regulator called for HIGH or MAX charging current.

Also, the voltage regulator could be a tad out of adjust. Not calling for charging current until the battery B+ state was driven below normal conditions.

Last, there could be ohmic contact issues (oxidized connections) making the voltage regulator not see the need to charge the battery until it dropped below normal discharge trigger level.

[Gene M.]

Re: 67 amp gauge

Robert check you connections at the fire wall, somtimes the cruddy green stuff builds up and causes too much resistance.

[Allan Wicklund]

Re: 67 amp gauge

Your question is a familiar one as my "67" has been doing the same thing for the last 25 years. Checking harness block connections and a light spray of electrical contact cleaner is an excelent starting point. Your charging system is routing through various devices and each will need to be checked for calibration by a very qualified technician. Most likely you! Use a "Digital" multimeter to check any electrical component as they give precise readings and make acurate diagnosis much more likely. It is a lot of work but can be fun if you have the time. As for me, I just press the horn button and if they blow load and clear I know my Vette is charging. Good Luck! (P.S. Did I spell excelent right?)

[Allan Wicklund]

Re: 67 amp gauge

Your question is a familiar one as my "67" has been doing the same thing for the last 25 years. Checking harness block connections and a light spray of electrical contact cleaner is an excelent starting point. Your charging system is routing through various devices and each will need to be checked for calibration by a very qualified technician. Most likely you! Use a "Digital" multimeter to check any electrical component as they give precise readings and make acurate diagnosis much more likely. It is a lot of work but can be fun if you have the time. As for me, I just press the horn button and if they blow load and clear I know my Vette is charging. Good Luck! (P.S. Did I spell excelent right?)