Flutterring ammeter

[azopelnut]

My GT idles and drives fine when I drive it casually but occassionally when I stomp on the gas pedal it does not always accelerate smoothly and I notice that the ammeter needle flutters a bit while the car is stumbling. I recently installed a pertronix. Any ideas?? It seems like the stumble is a carb issue so why is the ammeter reacting to the stumble?

[timemachine]

The ammeter isn't a likely culprit since it's only reading the charge rate to your battery. You might first check your coil, wires and plugs since you need a hot spark when you're putting your foot into the car. Then, I'd check the vacuum advance on the distributor and look for vacuum hose leaks before moving on to the carb.

[namba209]

Actually, the the way the ammeter is wired in the system it indicates total electrical operation. Paul if the ammeter is fluctuating while the engine is stumbling, it could be the engine rpm/alternator charge rate, or a flaky connection somewhere. Probably a ground. Then again it could be the regulator. I'm trying to hit all the possibilities here. Then again the vacuum advance or the hose to it may have a pinhole leak causing the ignition timing to move or not move. I'd start on one system, thoroughly check it out then go to another. There's just two things that would cause the problem, fuel and ignition, and anything that affects them during operation. Also check the fuel filter. Fun isn't it.

[jlthunder]

If the wires from the alt. to the regulator are still the original, replace them. This is a common problem on the Opel charging circut. The wires may look good, but they are commonly faulty. I'd also change the regulator to an electronic style. You should be able to get both parts very easy from OGTS and for under $75 for everything. HTH
Jeff.

[azopelnut]

I love this forum...THANK YOU FOR THE IDEAS!!

[timemachine]

I googled "ammeter flutters" and came across a book (written in 1922!) that actually answers a lot of common-sense questions about ammeters.

Automobile Ignition, Starting, and Lighting: a... - Google Book Search

Jim

[baz]

i just spent a week going through the electrical forum here doing house work and have seen about 30 odd threads on this very subject

i know its a waste of time some times but a simple search would answer almost all questions on this and many other problems

[azopelnut]

Point well taken ....
1) Search topic
2) Post question

[rsefczek]

does anyone know if it's possible to repair an ammeter. mine seems to have "died" and doesn't register despite what my handheld meter says and changing the wires. at least the idiot light still works!

bob

[Dmcbrass]

If its for a GT, how many do you need?

[rsefczek]

yes, it's a gt. just seems strange to have it suddenly non-functional. i'm wondering if the needle disengaged somehow but not sure if it's worth prying the thing apart...

[Dmcbrass]

Bob,
I think I still have your address from when I sent you the speedometer. PM me if you need an ammeter. I think I've got at least two extras. Guess I should have sent you all the guages at once.