1954 charging voltage

[Guy M.]

Re: 1954 charging voltage

Hi Richard, I finished the restoration 2 years ago (after 23 years working on it) This has been an ongoing issue for me. I wired the car exactly according to that schematic as that's what came with the LL harnesses. I just had the generator and regulator tested and they both check out. I just want to feel confident that the gauge is doing what it supposed to the way its wired. Yesterday when I started it the gauge showed negative (around 5). As I got on the highway it was straight up. Voltage at start up was 6.8 on a fully charged battery. That's what I know.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1954 charging voltage

Hi Richard, I finished the restoration 2 years ago (after 23 years working on it) This has been an ongoing issue for me. I wired the car exactly according to that schematic as that's what came with the LL harnesses. I just had the generator and regulator tested and they both check out. I just want to feel confident that the gauge is doing what it supposed to the way its wired. Yesterday when I started it the gauge showed negative (around 5). As I got on the highway it was straight up. Voltage at start up was 6.8 on a fully charged battery. That's what I know.

Guy, This is good info.

Since you didn't read voltage during your drive, but the Ammeter showed 12:00 during the drive, and since the battery was fully charged before you started the engine, it's a normal sign to me.

Also, since after start, at idle, it showed a small discharge, this appears also normal to me. The generator cannot charge at low RPM's.

So, I think you may be all set, if you do one last test. After start and idling, in neutral, have a helper check battery voltage while you bring RPMs up over 1100 or so. If you get greater than pre-start battery voltage, after a short time, and Ammeter is 12:00 or more to the right, I think you're good. At that RPM, also try a few loads, like Headlights, etc. The Ammeter may bounce left a bit, but should bounce back right. If this happens I feel you're good too.

Rich
PS When all this is finalized it'll be nice to see some photos of your '54. 23 years is a long time and it must be very exciting for you now.

[Guy M.]

Re: 1954 charging voltage

thanks for the help. Ill do more checking this weekend

[Richard M.]

Re: 1954 charging voltage

thanks for the help. Ill do more checking this weekend

Guy, What a gorgeous car. You've done a great job. I love White/Red Corvettes too! (mine below)

I'll be waiting for your test results.

Rich

[Al E.]

Re: 1954 charging voltage

Hey Guy.

My 54 does the same ...or did... I got my generator cleaned..and free of oil dirt it puts out 6.8 idle 7.6 at higher rpm.. but to the lights and wonderbar 6.2..

[Joseph S.]

Re: 1954 charging voltage

Guy, The easiest way to test if your gauge is wired backwards is to step on the brake or turn on the headlights with the car off. If the gauge needle goes positive then it is wired incorrectly. If it goes negative then it is wired correctly.