[Roadsters] Instrument regulator test

[Pat]

Gary,

Have you disconnected the two wires from the regulator lately? One of 
the terminals is marked "Ign", which needs the hot wire connected to it. 
The wire that goes to the gauges goes to the unmarked pin. If the wires 
are reversed the gauges will rise a bit, then drop to zero and stay 
there. The regulator will still warm up as usual.

If the regulator is working correctly the output pin will pulse on and 
off every few seconds.

One problem with older regulators is that the brass rivets that connect 
the pins to the internals of the regulator can get corroded and not make 
contact. I've opened mine up and soldered the rivets to the internal 
connections, as well as the rivets to the pins.

The regulator is nothing more than a bi-metal strip with a heater 
wrapped around it. On the end of the strip is a contact that turns the 
power to the heater and gauges on and off every few seconds.

Peace,
Pat

Thusly spake Gary Boone:
> Hi Roadster Gang,
> I'm not getting any indication from the fuel gauge or engine temp gauge.  I've grounded the sensors with the key ON and still get nothing from either gauge.  So I suspect the regulator under the dash is the problem. I've made sure the mounting screw is clean and tight because I know it requires this as a ground for it to work properly.  I've also made sure the connectors are nice and clean.  I've pulled the regulator out and want to test it before just finding a new one.  It's not that old anyway.  How does one bench test this regulator?  I have some ideas but wanted opinions from electrical gurus.  Thanks.
>
> Gary     
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-- 
Pat Horne, Owner, Horne Systems	(512) 797-7501
5026 FM 2001 Lockhart, TX 78644-4443
Pat at HorneSystemsTx.com	www.hornesystemstx.com
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