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Originally Posted by Reed64
My charging system has been acting up on my 64 390. When the charging was working ok, I didn't pay much attention to the ammeter. Now I'm always watching it and I'm sure it is not normal.
With lights off and engine running, the needle will stay in the middle for about a minute, then it go about half way to "C" (sometimes all the way) for a few seconds, then snaps back to the middle for a minute or so. This repeats over and over. It is as if a switch allows current to flow to the battery for a while then stops all flow for a while.
With the lights on, it acts similarly, but instead of the needle being in the middle, the needle sits to the left towards discharge.
By the way, I actually have a 65 alternator installed. And I believe I have the electronic replacement regulator, not the original type.
What is normal ammeter behavior?
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Reed, you need to confirm which style regulator you have. From your description it sounds like the point style. You also don't state what happens with an rpm range in the 1500 to 2300 which is cruise range. This is the range in which things should also be observed, try running the rpms up and then pulling on the lights. The condition on you state about the flow to the battery being stopped is exactly what happens if a fully charged battery is sensed. I would expect to see a more gradual movement of the needle however.
Do you have a factory service manual? The section on charging is pretty informative and useful. It sounds to me from your description you have a point style regulator, the book stresses erratic needle behavior for that style can be caused by pitted or oxidized points which can be sanded and cleaned. If you do have the transistorized style it might be bad. Are you having any problems with the system, dead battery, overcharged battery? If not the system is probably working ok. I would do the test with the lights at cruise rpms and observe the gauge. Good Luck!!