Author Topic: Charging ,Electrical and Fuel Gauge and Horn (Read 650 times)

cuda340a · « **on:** June 09, 2016 - 09:57:42 AM »

I have a 73 Barracuda with a 318 and I am having a few electrical issues and would appreciate some help.
Problem 1� The 318 is a strong engine but for some reason my ammeter fluctuates after the car warms up. I can drive it but after 20 minutes the car will stall and will not start. The battery has discharged and is dead. I replaced the alternator and this did not stop the problem. What would cause the battery to discharge if the problem is not the alternator. I replace the voltage regulator, starter relay and have had the car worked on by two mechanics after describing the issues but the problem persists. The electrical is original and my next step is a new wiring harness and gauge.

Problem 2�.My fuel gauge doesn�t read accurately, it indicates full when full as time goes on it gives a less than accurate reading. I have replaced the fuel gas sending unit but it did not solve the problem. I am considering buying a new gauge.

Problem 3�.I bought a new horn and installed it. It work for a minute and then stopped working. I am not getting any power to the horn now.

YellowThumper · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2016 - 11:40:45 AM »

. The ammeter is the culprit of many failures. All alternator charging passes thru it . They can short and burn out. AND there is a blade connection thru the firewall bulkhead that is prone to fail. They will get hot and corrode which makes them get hotter and corrode even more. This is a well documented issue. I and (others) suggest you bypass these items. At the very least confirm that your connection is still in good shape and surrounding plug is not melted.
Go to madelectrical.com. they have an awsome writeup explaining how to correct.

2. Personally cannot help. But do know that replacement sending units do not always read correct.

3. Re check to confirm you are still getting power to them. IE blown fuse? Hook up a test light to the power wire. Also make sure it is grounding properly to the body. If everything is painted you may not be.

Good luck.

dougs bs23 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2016 - 12:18:19 PM »

Go through all your grounding points and check for good connections. Scrape a little paint out from under the bolts and on the back of your new v r to insure a good ground. Do the ammeter bypass and test your horn relay

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Author Topic: Charging ,Electrical and Fuel Gauge and Horn (Read 650 times)

cuda340a

Charging ,Electrical and Fuel Gauge and Horn

YellowThumper

Re: Charging ,Electrical and Fuel Gauge and Horn

dougs bs23

Re: Charging ,Electrical and Fuel Gauge and Horn