Altrnator case markings

[RJRENTON]

I have a question about dash lights for the 66 Satellite. I recently replaced the light switch because I had no dash lights. Dash lights now work but wish they were brighter. Have dimmer turned all the way up.

The origional light bulbs are a push in type in a bayonet holder that is inserted into the the wiring printed circuit board. There are several points where poor connections can develop leading to a dim light output even though the dimmer control is at max. Have you considered replacement LED bulb in lieu of the origional type? Far greater light output with less amps consumed. There are several firms selling these LED replacements for the old #184 (I think...not sure of the origional bulb number). Search Google or eBay for a source...just a thought...
BOB RENTON

 

[1963JAM]

The origional light bulbs are a push in type in a bayonet holder that is inserted into the the wiring printed circuit board. There are several points where poor connections can develop leading to a dim light output even though the dimmer control is at max. Have you considered replacement LED bulb in lieu of the origional type? Far greater light output with less amps consumed. There are several firms selling these LED replacements for the old #184 (I think...not sure of the origional bulb number). Search Google or eBay for a source...just a thought...
BOB RENTON

Yes the little glass dash bulbs are 184. I want to say there's 7 of them back there. I do like your idea of less amp consuming LEDs idea with brighter output.
I see a voltage regulator on back of dash, what's that working with?

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I see a voltage regulator on back of dash, what's that working with?

voltage limiter just for the gas and temp gauges ( and oil if equipped )

 

[1963JAM]

voltage limiter just for the gas and temp gauges ( and oil if equipped )

Thanks. Good to know. Gauges work fine.

 

[RJRENTON]

Yes the little glass dash bulbs are 184. I want to say there's 7 of them back there. I do like your idea of less amp consuming LEDs idea with brighter output.
I see a voltage regulator on back of dash, what's that working with?

The voltage limiter is a device that takes the 12 volt power and provides a 5 volt output to power (typically) the fuel, temperature and if equipped, the oil pressure gauge. As long as you're under the dash, consider replaceing the voltage regulator with the solid state device presented by RT ENGINEERING....its a superior replacement. www.rt-eng.com. look at IVR4 limiters catagory. Call them if you have questions.....
BOB RENTON

 

[1963JAM]

The voltage limiter is a device that takes the 12 volt power and provides a 5 volt output to power (typically) the fuel, temperature and if equipped, the oil pressure gauge. As long as you're under the dash, consider replaceing the voltage regulator with the solid state device presented by RT ENGINEERING....its a superior replacement. www.rt-eng.com. look at IVR4 limiters catagory. Call them if you have questions.....
BOB RENTON

If that voltage regulator were going bad. Would all 3 gauges,temp fuel and oil, act funny at the same time?

 

[RJRENTON]

If that voltage regulator were going bad. Would all 3 gauges,temp fuel and oil, act funny at the same time?

Short answer.....YES. But erratic gauge operation could be influenced by poor connections to the gauge and its sensing device plus grounds to the instrument panel printed circuit board and the tank sending unit. The RT ENG device protects the gauges in the advent a short circuit develops in the gauge wiring and improves the accuracy (relatively as the gauges are thermal devices subject to their own accuracy) by providing a constant voltage for operation. Go to their web site for details about their offerings.....
BOB RENTON

 

[Nacho-RT74]

The voltage limiter will affect all at the same time, yes. If gets out of range for whatever reason will make all gauges give a diff reading that should be, but also depending on the sender variation.

The limiter is a device which works based on a bimetallic element and points which gets hot and cold by a coil. This hot/cold process produces a pulsating signal which gets the 5 volts output based on time and speed the points open and close. This coil must be grounded to keep working the system. If accidentally the limiter looses the ground, points will remain closed and allow full 12 volts to the gauges, burning them all at the same time too.

 

[Fran Blacker]

When they go bad gauges can go up and down. You may hear a ping when points separate. Yea yea Bi-Metal spring or wtf ever it's called.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

And of course, if limiter misses the positive signal all gauges will miss their reading too.

 

[1963JAM]

Short answer.....YES. But erratic gauge operation could be influenced by poor connections to the gauge and its sensing device plus grounds to the instrument panel printed circuit board and the tank sending unit. The RT ENG device protects the gauges in the advent a short circuit develops in the gauge wiring and improves the accuracy (relatively as the gauges are thermal devices subject to their own accuracy) by providing a constant voltage for operation. Go to their web site for details about their offerings.....
BOB RENTON

Thanks for the great lead and the excellent explanations. I have some experience electrical troubleshooting, but always open to learning more.

 

[1963JAM]

The voltage limiter will affect all at the same time, yes. If gets out of range for whatever reason will make all gauges give a diff reading that should be, but also depending on the sender variation.

The limiter is a device which works based on a bimetallic element and points which gets hot and cold by a coil. This hot/cold process produces a pulsating signal which gets the 5 volts output based on time and speed the points open and close. This coil must be grounded to keep working the system. If accidentally the limiter looses the ground, points will remain closed and allow full 12 volts to the gauges, burning them all at the same time too.

View attachment 1171767

Wouldn't think there's points inside that little tin can of a regulator. Thank you for the info.

 

[1963JAM]

Short answer.....YES. But erratic gauge operation could be influenced by poor connections to the gauge and its sensing device plus grounds to the instrument panel printed circuit board and the tank sending unit. The RT ENG device protects the gauges in the advent a short circuit develops in the gauge wiring and improves the accuracy (relatively as the gauges are thermal devices subject to their own accuracy) by providing a constant voltage for operation. Go to their web site for details about their offerings.....
BOB RENTON

I do like solid state over points.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Wouldn't think there's points inside that little tin can of a regulator. Thank you for the info.

 

[RJRENTON]

I do like solid state over points.

ABSOLUTELY.....get rid of the antiquated methodology.....it vwas only marginally adequate 50 years ago. The bi-metal element has only a given amount of heat/cool cycles and open/close operations of regulator's internal mechanism b4 failure.....why take a chance of possibly damaging the origional gauges.....install the solid state instrument panel voltage regulator, while you have the opportunity to do so. Just my opinion of course.
BOB RENTON

 

[Fran Blacker]

That guy would put a hyperactive kid to sleep.

 

[RJRENTON]

I do like solid state over points.

ONLY.....when it comes to instrument panel voltage regulators and charging system voltage regulators.....but ill continue to use "points" in my dual point ignition system.
BOB RENTON