Always Charging?

[dave`12]

I put a v8 in my 67 c10. Most everything is new; battery, voltage regulator(external), cables, alternator.

I have dual electric fans, an HEI, and an electric fuel pump. Not much else going on. Driving, I notice that the factory battery gauge reads about 1/2 way between the middle and charge. It moves a little while cranking, turning on the lights, and comes down a little at idle, but I mostly stays in this position.

I thought that this gauge should hover very close to the middle. Could this be an issue?

thanx

[VetteVet]

Originally Posted by dave`12

I put a v8 in my 67 c10. Most everything is new; battery, voltage regulator(external), cables, alternator.

I have dual electric fans, an HEI, and an electric fuel pump. Not much else going on. Driving, I notice that the factory battery gauge reads about 1/2 way between the middle and charge. It moves a little while cranking, turning on the lights, and comes down a little at idle, but I mostly stays in this position.

I thought that this gauge should hover very close to the middle. Could this be an issue?

thanx

Easy to tell, just check the voltage at the alternator output lug or the battery between positive and negative at 2000 rpm. If it's over 15 volts then yeah, it's overcharging. otherwise if you have rerouted the wires to the battery gauge then you could be getting an inaccurate reading.

If you are getting 14.5 - 15 with nothing on the gauge should be close to center. Then turn things on one at a time then off, and watch the gauge. If you get a big jump with any one item then that's your big current draw.

[dave`12]

voltage is good. The dual electric fans make it kick up.

[VetteVet]

Run her till she blows then convert to a higher amp internal regulated alternator.