Voltmeter variation.

Technical advice Q&A

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david.coan
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#1 Voltmeter variation.

Post by david.coan » Thu Jul 11, 2019 3:43 pm

I noticed my fuel gauge had dropped by about 1/8th and then some 10 mins later or less it had recovered, this happens on a longer drive two or more times. i then noticed this coincided with the voltmeter dropping to about 12v and then recovering. The ignition warning light does not come on. Its a 1968 series 1.5. The alternator is 3 years old and hardly used by the PO. Should i suspect the 3AW relay or the voltage regulator? Both seem inexpensive so i could just swap both and see what happens, but i would welcome thoughts or is it just something to expect? Could it be associated with the cooling fans coming on? Perhaps also i should be replacing my instrument voltage stabiliser as it would not seem to be able to maintain a stable voltage for the fuel gauge.
David
1968 S1.5 OTS, ex USA converted to RHD

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Turnip
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#2 Re: Voltmeter variation.

Post by Turnip » Thu Jul 11, 2019 8:18 pm

I'm not an expert on this, but I would look at the instrument voltage regulator (on the back of the drop-down dash panel). This drops the voltage supplied to the fuel, water and oil gauges to 10 volts. It is supposed to stop the gauges being affected by any variations in the main loom's voltage - down to 10 volts, obviously.
You could start by checking the voltage being supplied to the fuel gauge's 'live' connector.

Simon
1965 Series 1 4.2 FHC

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johnetype
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#3 Re: Voltmeter variation.

Post by johnetype » Thu Jul 11, 2019 8:30 pm

The 3AW can play no part in voltage regulation so changing it isn't going to help. The fact the 3AW isn't bringing on the ignition warning light indicates that the alternator is still working so my vote goes for replacing the 4TR regulator - which also happens to be the weakest link in the alternator component chain.

The thermal voltage regulator set to output 10 volts for the temp and fuel gauges, especially an old one isn't very good at maintaining 10 volts if its input is only 12 volts. It's easily replaced by an electronic regulator in the same metal can to keep the period looks.
John

1969 Series 2 FHC

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david.coan
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#4 Re: Voltmeter variation.

Post by david.coan » Thu Jul 11, 2019 10:02 pm

I meant to say should i suspect and change the 6RA alternator relay not the 3AW relay. The 6RA , the 4TR controller and the instrument voltage stabiliser all look like they might be original, so there is a temptation to change them but new is not always better.
David
1968 S1.5 OTS, ex USA converted to RHD

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johnetype
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#5 Re: Voltmeter variation.

Post by johnetype » Thu Jul 11, 2019 11:27 pm

Certainly in the case of the 4TR, new is not necessarily better but the fundamental circuit design is poor so the 4TR is "hit" with full load every time you start.

The 6RA is easily substituted with a standard 12 volt automotive relay available anywhere for less than £5 which will eliminate or prove your 6RA is the cause and then you can replace with a new 6RA if it turns out to be your problem.
John

1969 Series 2 FHC

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Heuer
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#6 Re: Voltmeter variation.

Post by Heuer » Fri Jul 12, 2019 8:48 am

Easy to make your own solid state VR for about £1: http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php?p=35094#p35094
David Jones
S1 OTS OSB; S1 FHC ODB
1997 Porsche 911 Guards Red

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#7 Re: Voltmeter variation.

Post by Polse7317 » Fri Jul 12, 2019 11:26 am

Where is the 4TR ? i see 3 tension regulators on the electric map ... :questionmarks: but no one "4 TR"

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Yves, happy XKE 63 fhc , w113 280sl owner
Looking for a OTS 4.2 serie 1....! :scratchheadyellow: and now have found a fhc xk 140 :lol:

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#8 Re: Voltmeter variation.

Post by mgcjag » Fri Jul 12, 2019 12:09 pm

Hi Yves...your diagram is for a car with Generator/dynamo....the 4tr is used with alternator...Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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#9 Re: Voltmeter variation.

Post by Heuer » Fri Jul 12, 2019 1:27 pm

Yes, RB340 control box used on Dynamo cars.
David Jones
S1 OTS OSB; S1 FHC ODB
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#10 Re: Voltmeter variation.

Post by Polse7317 » Fri Jul 12, 2019 1:30 pm

Thank's Steve ...now it's better for my understanding :wink:
Yves, happy XKE 63 fhc , w113 280sl owner
Looking for a OTS 4.2 serie 1....! :scratchheadyellow: and now have found a fhc xk 140 :lol:

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