64 won't charge

[Ernest B.]

64 - I had the guage cluster out and after re-installing it the car won' charge. I had the alternator checked, replaced the battery, votage regulator, horn relay' and the resistor on the firewall, If I disconect the battery when the car is running it stalls so I know it's not the guage, any ideas?

[Domenic T.]

Re: 64 won't charge

Ernest,
If I remember right, and I might be wrong, the amp guage has to be in the circuit or it will not charge.

Again I may be wrong here but I re-wound my 67 amp guage back in the 70's because it burned the windings and my charging system failed.

I dont have the book here but it's worth checking in the schematic.

Maybe the wires have a poor connection. Does your amp guage show a discharge when you turn the lights on?

DOM

[William C.]

Re: 64 won't charge

OK, guys, once again, the "ammeter" in a midyear does not measure current flow directly, and can be left completely out of the circuit IF the charging system is functioning properly. What it does is measure voltage drop between two ends of a 12 gauge wire in the harness. Look elsewhere for the charging problem. Start with the battery voltage with the engine running at about 2000 rpm. Should be 14 volts or so. If so you are charging, if not, follow the service manual instruction to figure id Alternator or regulator are at issue.

[Michael O.]

Re: 64 won't charge

You should also check out the connection at the voltage regulator. I had a 'no charge' situation a year ago on my 64 and tests indicated that the regulator was no good. I replaced it only to still have the condition. By sheer luck, I noticed that the electrical ends that clip on to the regulator had corrosion on them. The same type of corrosion you'd find on the battery posts. I cleaned it off and the problem was solved.