Amp Gauge smoking

[dbowperson]

Okay, we have a new problem that has us spooked. We recently replaced the turn signal flasher under the dash, and this new problem started up right around the same time, but we don't know if the 2 are related. From time to time while driving, the amp needle will peg to the right, and we will get a really nasty smell. The first couple times it happened we also got smoke from under the dash, and the gauges would cloud up, as if they suddenly got moisture inside them. After a minute, sometimes a little more, the amp needle would return to the middle, and the smell/smoke would go away. It would then peg to the right a little later, and the smell would return. Is this a sign that the voltage regulator is on the fritz, or the gauge itself, or something else? For obvious reasons we are going to hold off on driving the car until we get this figured out. Everything else has continued to work with no problems.

 

[Histoy]

I'd check the wires at the bulkhead connector. If the connection gets bad, it will heat up and melt the insulation from the wires, and may even melt the bulkhead connector itself. It happened to my '64 Belvedere.

 

[dbowperson]

Finally had a chance to take another look. There are no black marks or melted wires anywhere, but with the car running we get upwards of 17 volts at the battery, with 15 at idle, so we're going to replace the voltage regulator. Hopefully that will be it.

 

[69 Runner]

Good call

 

[rumblefish360]

That is the issue. I just went through this with my Duster. Amp gauge pegs and the smell comes up. Once replaced, no more issues.
Good call.