Fluttering Ammeter

[Joe C.]

When there's low current draw on the battery, the ammeter needle is rock steady. At night, with the original T3 beams illuminated and engine RPM high enough to center the needle ("0"), it flutters within about a 1/8" band.

Alternator belt is low mileage and tight, all battery, alternator and starter connections are clean, tight and protected with dielectric silicone grease.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

Sounds like the regulator. But, seeing your video on the other forum, maybe not. Thats a little strange.

[Joe C.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

Sounds like the regulator. But, seeing your video on the other forum, maybe not. Thats a little strange.

Wayne,

That's not my video. Mine flutters like the video shows, but only with about half the amplitude as the one shown.

[Joe R.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

Joe,

It is fluttering because the dampning fluid has leaked out of the gauge. Gauge works but it will drive you crazy.
Needs to be replaced with another GM replacement.

JR

[Joe C.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

Joe,

It is fluttering because the dampning fluid has leaked out of the gauge. Gauge works but it will drive you crazy.
Needs to be replaced with another GM replacement.

JR

OK................and here I was, all ready to replace the flux capacitor. Where can I buy some snipe oil for dampninining.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

Joe,

I looked at that video on the other forum, and I have never seen that type of flutter (even an 1/8") on my 67 original gauge with original regulator, and even before I went to a gel battery. I keep the gel battery on a trickle charger so I really don't see much fluctuation in the gauge. The 37 amp alternator is also probably pushing 60 amps with the changed rotor and stator.

If you want to pin down the problem, at least eliminate the alternator, regulator or the battery, try on of these:



Cheap voltmeter which plugs into the cigar lighter. If it fluctuates with the gauge, then it is probably the alternator, regulator or the battery.

If not, and the gauge is the only thing that fluctuates, it is probably the gauge.


My guess is that there is a problem with the gauge.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

Jerry,
What is the make and model number of that voltmeter and where can it be purchased? Thanks.
Jeff

[Joe C.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

Joe,

I looked at that video on the other forum, and I have never seen that type of flutter (even an 1/8") on my 67 original gauge with original regulator, and even before I went to a gel battery. I keep the gel battery on a trickle charger so I really don't see much fluctuation in the gauge. The 37 amp alternator is also probably pushing 60 amps with the changed rotor and stator.

If you want to pin down the problem, at least eliminate the alternator, regulator or the battery, try on of these:



Cheap voltmeter which plugs into the cigar lighter. If it fluctuates with the gauge, then it is probably the alternator, regulator or the battery.

If not, and the gauge is the only thing that fluctuates, it is probably the gauge.


My guess is that there is a problem with the gauge.

Thanks Jerry. I'm not sure that a digital VM will respond to fluctuations. They happen so fast that they'll likely not show up.

I have a digital VOM that I can try. If I get a positive result, I'll post it.

[Daniel Y.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

I had the same issue , Check all connections - emery cloth them - horn relay, regulator, etc. if that doesn't solve it, replace the gauge. if you want to keep the originality of the face. you can have the face replaced on a new gauge. solder to studs on new gauge. I've had it done and gauge works perfect

[Ken A.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

If you want to keep the current gauge, then remove it and have the fluid replaced by any of the "gauge" guys.

[Joe R.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

Jeff,

I think I got mine at Wally Mart. Here's one online:

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3721-Bat...004355-2465442

Joe

[Gerard F.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

Jerry,
What is the make and model number of that voltmeter and where can it be purchased? Thanks.
Jeff

Jeff,

I got mine at Walmart, and I think most auto parts stores have them.

I had a history on my 67, of frying the lead acid batteries with too much voltage. What a mess with acid all over the area below. The battery tray was basically gone.

So, I went to one of those restoration gel batteries, which has a warning of over-voltage charging.

With the Voltmeter (also called a Volticator), I was able to adjust the voltage regulator so that the charging voltage would always max out at around 14.5 volts.
I keep the car on a trickle charger when not in use, and haven't had any problems with the gel battery in the last 5 years.

[Joe C.]

Re: Fluttering Ammeter

Joe,

It is fluttering because the dampning fluid has leaked out of the gauge. Gauge works but it will drive you crazy.
Needs to be replaced with another GM replacement.

JR

Joe,
Apologies for the cynicism. Just spoke to Travis at D & M. The "fluid" that you spoke about is nothing more than silicone grease that gets injected into the cavity between the shaft and its bushing. He told me that this is how they were done from factory, and he can renew the dampening for a very cheap price.
Joe