Board logo

running voltage
quadra - 28/8/05 at 08:05 PM

What voltage should I be getting with the engine running, I tested it tonight and it appears to have about 12 volts before start less than 12 volts after start for obvious reasons, and then goes all the way up to 14.7 volts before the voltage reg kicks in does this sound normal.

Cheers Mike

Hellfire - 28/8/05 at 08:28 PM

Sounds perfectly fine... 12V battery when fully charged and healthy should read circa 14V.

quadra - 28/8/05 at 08:38 PM

Thanks the reason I ask is that i seem to be getting a dodgy water temp reading and I was wondering if the change of voltage might affect the reading.

Mike

SeaBass - 28/8/05 at 08:44 PM

quote:
Originally posted by quadra
Thanks the reason I ask is that i seem to be getting a dodgy water temp reading and I was wondering if the change of voltage might affect the reading.

Mike


What gauge and what sender??? Most old gauges will require a regulator (actually a bimetallic strip switching on and off rapidly) to indicate the correct reading.

Cheers

[Edited on 28/8/05 by SeaBass]

JoelP - 28/8/05 at 09:53 PM

mine was reading at 11V, i assumed it was wrong. When i welded a new earth bolt in for the battery to bolt to, it went back to reading correct, and when running it reads around 13.5V

shortie - 29/8/05 at 07:01 AM

Mine reads between 14-15 volts when runningcharging which is fine.

HTH,
Rich.

mark chandler - 29/8/05 at 09:46 AM

dodgy gauge reading = dodgy voltage regulator usually, small box with three spades that lives behind/onboard the dash.
If you have built the dash and not included one, ie run the gauges from the battery direct then it will fluctuate with revs. Easy fix to insert one of these.

quadra - 29/8/05 at 07:39 PM

Yes this had crossed my mind. The gauges are stuart warner ones which I believe are no longer available, the sender is of an unknown type. I had already heard that you needed a voltage reg for Smiths gauges but I was unsure about the gauges I have. Anyone point me in the right direction to get hold of one please. Also does it need to be a 12v one or 10v, as I believe the Smiths gauges use the 10v one.

Cheers Mike

stevebubs - 29/8/05 at 11:50 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mark chandler
dodgy gauge reading = dodgy voltage regulator usually, small box with three spades that lives behind/onboard the dash.
If you have built the dash and not included one, ie run the gauges from the battery direct then it will fluctuate with revs. Easy fix to insert one of these.


Dodgy Gauge Reading can also equal dodgy earth....trust me....been there; done that!

quadra - 30/8/05 at 06:14 PM

Ok will check that also thanks for the help.

Mike