Erratic volt gauge

[SteveJ]

How stock do you want to be? Search here, Hybridz and Zcar.com for alternator upgrades. I think ZmanofWashington has a kit for a higher output alternator. It will be internally regulated, so you'd have to jumper out the regulator circuit. You can see how to do that for a 280Z in Blue's collection of tips. (See link below.)

[WingZr0]

Hi guys hope i'm not thread jacking here but this may be similar. My 77 280 has sat for four months. Battery is now dead and volt gauge reads 12 volts or in the yellow and car won't start. But when i pump the brakes the volt guage drops all the way to 0. Is that a problem or normal? Never seen that happen when driving it.

Edited September 4, 2010 by WingZr0

[Pomorza]

How stock do you want to be? Search here, Hybridz and Zcar.com for alternator upgrades. I think ZmanofWashington has a kit for a higher output alternator. It will be internally regulated, so you'd have to jumper out the regulator circuit. You can see how to do that for a 280Z in Blue's collection of tips. (See link below.)

To be honest whichever. Keeping the regulator is fine, not having one is fine. At this point I wish to get the car working to a point where I'm not afraid to drive it without the light on.

Jan

[Z train]

There might be a loose connection between the seat & steering wheel.have you checked lately?

;0

[SteveJ]

Hi guys hope i'm not thread jacking here but this may be similar. My 77 280 has sat for four months. Battery is now dead and volt gauge reads 12 volts or in the yellow and car won't start. But when i pump the brakes the volt guage drops all the way to 0. Is that a problem or normal? Never seen that happen when driving it.

You may need a new battery. Take it to a parts store and have them test it.

[Pomorza]

You may need a new battery. Take it to a parts store and have them test it.

Went to the parts store earlier today. Batter test 100% good. I asked them test my alternator (with the car on) and their testing devise stated that I have low output. So I'm guessing a new alternator/regulator are in order huh?

Jan

[Z train]

Jan-is that an IR alernator?Or is the reg external?If it's external,you can try the one off the blue wagon to verify.

[Zed Head]

Hi guys hope i'm not thread jacking here but this may be similar. My 77 280 has sat for four months. Battery is now dead and volt gauge reads 12 volts or in the yellow and car won't start. But when i pump the brakes the volt guage drops all the way to 0. Is that a problem or normal? Never seen that happen when driving it.

My battery terminals got dirty and my car did the same thing when starting. Voltmeter dropped to zero, then went back up when I let go of the key. It's typically the terminal connections or a bad battery. I cleaned the terminals and it's back to normal.

[Pomorza]

Jan-is that an IR alernator?Or is the reg external?If it's external,you can try the one off the blue wagon to verify.

It is externally regulated.

Jan

[Pomorza]

My battery terminals got dirty and my car did the same thing when starting. Voltmeter dropped to zero, then went back up when I let go of the key. It's typically the terminal connections or a bad battery. I cleaned the terminals and it's back to normal.

Battery terminals are clean and shinny.

Jan

[SteveJ]

Battery terminals are clean and shinny.

Jan

Jan, that post was directed to the person who threadjacked.

[Z train]

It is externally regulated.

Jan

Thought so.I highly suggest "Luna starters & alternators" over on Grant Rd.You can also get a pulley from them that increases alternator output at idle.I'll be back early Tues.You can try that reg if you want.