Alternator Not Charging
\/ This is what you should see 95 to 99% of the time.
If the alternator wasn't supplying any power while the engine was running, then the ammeter would show slight discharge. This is because the ignition coil draws a couple of amps while running.
If this \/ regulator is electro-mechanical internals, you can do a visual check for major problems.
Take it off, remove the cover and check the condition of the points and fusible links.
Also, although I don't know '66 specifically, based on the photo I'd check the condition of the wire connection to the terminal. Again that could just be the angle of the photo.
If you do need a replacement VR, the factory looking one sold on ebay by FBO seems to have a better rep on FABO than any of the others.
Internally its electronic but it looks and works the same as the electromechanical ones with points.
A multi-meter, even a cheap one, will really help with diagnosis.
We normally want to see the ammeter show some discharge when starting, some recharging after starting, and centered most of the time.
But observing the ammeter in combination with a multimeter set to measure voltage is really helpful when there are doubts.
The alternator only sends current through the ammeter when the battery needs recharging.
\/ This is what you should see 95 to 99% of the time.
If the alternator wasn't supplying any power while the engine was running, then the ammeter would show slight discharge. This is because the ignition coil draws a couple of amps while running.
If this \/ regulator is electro-mechanical internals, you can do a visual check for major problems.
Take it off, remove the cover and check the condition of the points and fusible links.
Also, although I don't know '66 specifically, based on the photo I'd check the condition of the wire connection to the terminal. Again that could just be the angle of the photo.
If you do need a replacement VR, the factory looking one sold on ebay by FBO seems to have a better rep on FABO than any of the others.
Internally its electronic but it looks and works the same as the electromechanical ones with points.
A multi-meter, even a cheap one, will really help with diagnosis.
We normally want to see the ammeter show some discharge when starting, some recharging after starting, and centered most of the time.
But observing the ammeter in combination with a multimeter set to measure voltage is really helpful when there are doubts.
