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Re: 1974 Midget Ignition Light Progress

To: Philip Hubbard <phubbard@carroll.com>
Subject: Re: 1974 Midget Ignition Light Progress
From: Paul Hunt <paul.hunt1@virgin.net>
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1998 15:31:57 +0000
Philip Hubbard wrote:
> 
> ... Mechanic put the meter back on and told me to touch the wire to
> the solenoid.  Noticeable drop in revs as if a load was being put on the
> engine when there was none before.  The mechanic said it didn't look like
> there was enough juice to kick over the alternator though.

An alternator will charge even a 'flat' battery.  The fact that the engine 
slowed as 
you touched the wire on was proof that the alternator was then supplying a 
load, i.e. probably charging the battery.  He may well not have seen 14v (if 
that is 
what he was looking for) because there is a limit to how much current an 
alternator 
will supply and hence how quickly the battery voltage will rise.

> ... Well, turn the
> key - light comes on.  Start the engine - light goes out in just a few
> seconds.  Seems that the light is working!  Yeehaw!!!  Is this any reliable
> indication that the charging system is working also?

It's usually a pretty reliable indication, but because of your problems it 
would be 
best to check the voltage at the battery terminals with a meter.  You should 
see about 
14v at fast idle, on a reasonably charged battery, with no extraneous loads 
e.g. 
lights.

PaulH.



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