Ammeter was sitting at 0, now peaks when revved, but...

[Gruntled]

Thanks Rudi and MoCo. My coil fuse has started blowing again today, which is a real drag because I need to run the engine with the choke halfway out when that circuit is broken (the idle solenoid is on that circuit). I am tracking down a new solid state voltage regulator, as you suggested, from Wagner in the US. At present I just cheated and put a 35 amp fuse in the circuit instead of a 20 amp fuse and it appears to be holding up (no smoke yet! ).
Cheers!

 

[MoCoNative]

Remove the steering column cover. I had a wire come loose on the ignition switch once, solder broke off. I think the ignition curcuit is the coil curcuit, maybe you have a crossed wire there, I don't know, just a quick spot to check. Can't think of anything else to check on that curcuit, just grapsing at straws.

Mine would just die randomly, especially going around a corner or something, then suddenly roar back to life. It was the run position wire coming off and then resticking when it would re-touch and arc on.

 

[numby]

I recently bought a new VR from the dealership for my '78. Although it was listed as a remanufactured unit it turned out to be a sealed SS electronic model with no core charge. The same model will work on your '77.

 

[Gruntled]

Cheers guys. I have checked the wiring in the steering column and it all looks good. I am now contemplating swapping out the stock alternator for an 85 amp Ford EA alternator which can be fitted with little work. Sounds like I can get more charge and reliability that way, and it will be a cheap option too.

 

[bj40green]

Watch out for heavy charging. Your wiring (including the fusible links) is not designed for 85Amps and your Amp meter goes into the corner.

Just saying.

Rudi

 

[Gruntled]

Ah, indeed, where it smokes the current is too high! That is good advice Rudi, I may just have to stick with what I already have, if upgrading is going to cause problems. It's proving difficult to find a reasonably priced voltage regulator though!
Thanks for the advice!

 

[Gruntled]

Problem solved!! I have replaced the voltage regulator and the coil fuse is no longer blowing. My ammeter behaviour has tamed again; no more erratic jumping around when I am at high revs.

Thanks to Cruiser Corps for great service and postage to Australia - finally the right voltage regulator after ordering two "correct" ones from local shops which turned out to be completely different to the 1977 FJ40 regulator.

 

[bj40green]

Congrats for you and CC.

Another problem solved.

Happy driving,

Rudi