Slightly lower reading on voltage gauge

[AndysPlit]

Usually the meter on my 78 registers right at 16 for voltage. Lately it has been reading at about 13 to 14, slightly lower. Sometimes after I crank the engine and start driving at night the display lights will be a little dimmer than usual (shows 13 / 14 volts). Then after a few minutes the volts go up a bit and the lights are close to normal.

Maybe it's just me but I swear that there is a slight loss of power as well. I'm concerned because usually I get a reading of 16 or so, right at where the meter stops measuring.

The alternator was replaced a couple years ago. It is an absolute OEM / Nissan part. Could it be my battery? I need to check how old it is, but what do you guys think?

[sblake01]

Bad connections or internal regulator on it's way out. My gauge in my 78 reads just short of 16v when the car is running w/o headlights, ac, etc. but when I check it with a voltmeter it's about 14.2-14.3 so those gauges aren't reall that accurate. My 810 reads right at 15v but agiain, when I check it with a voltmeter it's at 14.1-14.2.