Topic: Electrical issues...

[Oz390]

Not really "restoration" related, but debugging.  Replaced the battery with the new Gel type Autolite.  All was fine, as far as I know, before swapping.

Car is a very OEM restored 68 S code convertible.  OEM or alloy metal wiring, all OEM style electrics.

After the swap start car, gauge shows moderate charging.  Drop into drive/reverse charging drops a bit, and runs just slightly in the charge area.

Drop car back to idle at stop... gauge flicks between light charge and discharge...

Voltage regulator or ? as possible culprit.

[carlite65]

get a digital voltmeter. hook it to battery. you should have no more than 14.6 volts at a fast idle. to eliminate vr disconnect harness. put a jumper wire between the A & F terminals. you should have full charging if alternator is ok. report back what your readings are.

[jwc66k]

Gel type batteries have a warning about bench charging that requires a special type of charger. It may apply to your situation as your car's charging system is a few generations of technology older, eg, battery don't like the regulator and alternator. If possible, put the battery in a different, but similar, type of charging system for comparison. Unless you are a very qualified electronics or automotive technician, don't go messing around with disconnecting connectors and adding jumper wires.
Jim

[Oz390]

Hmmm.... odd one would, sell a "correct" look repro battery for an old car, (at big $ for the restoration market) and then require modifications to the electronics.  Never heard that one, but maybe so.  Don't recall manufacturer docs with it making mention of that aspect, but will re-read to be sure I did not miss something..

No bench charging, just installed and running.  Voltage at idle is flicking from 16.6-17.4... so high.

I am not an electrician, but am handy... but wiring is the one area I loathe, chasing electrical gremlins is a PITA I prefer to leave to others, but am ok to tinker around testing or replacing "bolt in" parts to deduce a bit of the issue...