JerryinTx Posted March 12, 2009 Report Posted March 12, 2009 A couple of weeks ago a mechanic friend suggested that the solution to my slow starts would be to change to an 8 volt battery. I let him do it and he changed out the voltage regulator as well. The engine now starts on a dime with no choke. But today I got in the car, started it and the ammeter reads no positive charge. Was not that way in the beginning. What could be the problem, and are there other problems bound to turn up because of the change in battery voltage? Quote
steveplym Posted March 12, 2009 Report Posted March 12, 2009 I didn't see any problems with the ammeter in my car when I switched to 8 Volts. I had the voltage regulator adjusted so it would charge on the 8 volts. Is your charging system working properly? Quote
55 Fargo Posted March 12, 2009 Report Posted March 12, 2009 A couple of weeks ago a mechanic friend suggested that the solution to my slow starts would be to change to an 8 volt battery. I let him do it and he changed out the voltage regulator as well. The engine now starts on a dime with no choke. But today I got in the car, started it and the ammeter reads no positive charge. Was not that way in the beginning. What could be the problem, and are there other problems bound to turn up because of the change in battery voltage? I have not gone to a 8 volt battery, but did get custom made brand new 2/0 battery cables, and a 925 cold cranking amp battery. My engine starts very quickly too, would like to try an 8 volt battery in the future. Sounds like a regulator problem, may the cut in/out points are sticking. Best to return to your tech that did this work, let him diagose the problem and correct it.....Fred Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted March 12, 2009 Report Posted March 12, 2009 you posted the question on the ammeter..have you indeed checked the output of the generator both with a voltmeter and a shunted amp meter? have you powered all your accessories to determine you have a negative deflection? few more checks need be done and posted results..are you sure you have not "leaded" your generator at the higher consistant output.. Quote
greg g Posted March 12, 2009 Report Posted March 12, 2009 with th engine idling at about 800 rpm temprorarily ground the filed pos of the gennerator. the ammeter will flash to full charge while the wire is cinnected indicating the gennerator is charging. Also a fully charged battery will not need much in the way of charging so the ammeter should stay put utill the battery needs a charge. You can also get an idea of whats going on by turning the headlampr to high beam ad turnign on a signal or stepping onthe brakes. thses should cause the ammeter to show a slght discharge and then a recovery. Puttin in the 8 volt system is a band aid for other pproblems, most of which are usually related to loose or corroded ground circuits. I would check all those also. That is what you mechanic should have done first, istead of fooling around witht he system. Quote
JerryinTx Posted March 13, 2009 Author Report Posted March 13, 2009 Sounds like the most likely problem is with the voltage regulator, even though it is new. The genny was checked out prior to the battery switch and it was working properly. As far as the grounds, I completely rewired this car two years ago and made sure all grounds were good. It has 00 ga battery cables, but it has never turned over that well. Slow to start, quick to flood. This guy also had the starter rebuilt. Maybe that was part of the problem. It sure starts good now. Greg, did you mean if the battery was fully charged, the ammeter might not show a positive deflection? Although there is no positive move in the ammeter when accelerating, there is a definite move to the left when the headlights are turned on. I'm getting to the bottom of this this weekend. Thanks for the help guys! Quote
steveplym Posted March 13, 2009 Report Posted March 13, 2009 I changed my battery to 8 volt for the same reason Jerry and had excellent results. I've decided to go ahead and change mine over to 12 volts now. If you find out it needs a regulator let me know. I bought mine off of ebay after the first one went out. Seller told me it was already set up for 8 volt. Never had a problem with it charging since then. Let me know if you are interested in it. Quote
BobT-47P15 Posted March 13, 2009 Report Posted March 13, 2009 A while back, my ammeter started only showing negative movement.... no positive. When I finally removed the gauge, I found the needle had gotten bent a little and was hitting on the housing and could not move to the charge side. Replaced gauge......now works fine. (I don't recall messing with that gauge, but it was bent nonetheless.) In terms of fast or slow starting......maybe the starter was a bit draggy. Maybe the carb needs some further attention. Was your 6 volt battery in good condition? The cables and re-wiring should have definitely helped. Quote
Don St Peter Posted March 18, 2009 Report Posted March 18, 2009 I installed an 8 volt batt. a while back and after a couple of days the battery was dead. I figured it was a voltage regulator readjustment problem but the unit is sealed. How do I get into it to adjust the contacts? Don Quote
steveplym Posted March 18, 2009 Report Posted March 18, 2009 I installed an 8 volt batt. a while back and after a couple of days the battery was dead. I figured it was a voltage regulator readjustment problem but the unit is sealed. How do I get into it to adjust the contacts?Don It should have a way to get into it. Not sure if it is adjustable then. Like I said earlier in this thread I have a voltage regulator that is already setup for 8 volts. I do not need it anymore as I converted my car to 12 volt negative. If you interested pm me and we can work something out. Quote
JerryinTx Posted April 1, 2009 Author Report Posted April 1, 2009 Just to let you guys know, a new voltage regulator solved the problem. Don, sorry I did not read your post before my mechanic ordered one. Quote
steveplym Posted April 1, 2009 Report Posted April 1, 2009 Glad you got it fixed Jerry. It fixed mine as well. Quote
JerryinTx Posted April 2, 2009 Author Report Posted April 2, 2009 Sorry Steve!!! It was you who had the vr ready for 8 volts. If my new one goes out, I will be calling. Quote
steveplym Posted April 2, 2009 Report Posted April 2, 2009 No problem Jerry, only problem is I sold it already. So I won't be of much help. Sometimes it's better to just put on a new one anyway. It costs more, but gives you a bit more peace of mind. Quote
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