Jumped up? A 71 should have thermal gauges that respond slowly to voltage
changes, if it jumped it sounds more like the mechanical shock of turning
off the light switch if it is close by, which I believe on the 71 it was,
next time try tapping the gauge after a run long enough to cause a visible
drop in level. If the stabiliser fails it isn't a show-stopper, millions of
cars got by without temp gauges (on a 71 the oil gauge isn't fed by the
stabiliser), and the odometer should be good enough as a fuel gauge for a
while. It's difficult to check the stabiliser as it actually switches 12v
on and off about once a second or so, averaging about 10v. It could stick
on giving high readings, or stick open circuit giving zero readings. If
both temp and fuel do similar odd things then the stabiliser or its wiring
are the likely cause. If it is not securely screwed to the body making good
electrical contact it will give erratic readings, likewise any poor
connections to or from it. If the oil gauge and tach are similarly erratic
it is more likely a bad connection in the green circuit, most probably at
the fusebox.
----- Original Message -----
From: "James Nazarian" <jhn3@uakron.edu>
To: "mgs" <mgs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, June 01, 2003 1:40 AM
Subject: Voltage Regulator
> Lately I have been noticing some odd behaviors with my gauges, especially
> the fuel, and spotted something today that I think sums it up. When I got
> home from work today I flipped the lights off before turning the car off,
> when I flipped the light switch off the fuel gauge jumped up about 1/8th
of
> a tank to what I would say is the accurate reading. I was beginning to
have
> my suspicions that something was trying to die and this made me think it
was
> the voltage stabilizer.
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