[Roadsters] grounding the gauge voltage regulator

[D Riedel]

Thanks Pat,

...before I say anything, I want to thank Pat for all his years of offering
Roadster wisdom.  I come and go from this group, but every time I come
back, Pat is still there helping out.  Thank you, Mr. Horne, this community
is very fortunate to have you.

The star washer was a great idea- it clearly bites into the metal nicely.
 However, it failed to solve my problem.  Detaching the VR from the column
and independently grounding didn't work either so it would seem that it's
intermittent, at best. I opened it up and cleaned the area where it grounds
to the case, but still no luck.  The wrapped heater wire is quite brown,
and the connections show a lot of corrosion.  I suppose I could try
bypassing the spade connectors and clip directly to the interior parts just
to see if the posts are the problem...

Meanwhile, I threw together the LM7808 IC solution and got 'almost' correct
readings - the voltage across the solid-state VR was ~10V w/ the alternator
running and 9.4V with the car off.  Not sure how that happens with an 8V ss
reg...  I know that the original VR are temperature compensated.  Is the
solid-state device THAT sensitive to temp?  It was only around 23C when I
was testing it.

-dave
Victoria, BC


On Fri, Jul 26, 2013 at 3:56 PM, Pat Horne <pat at hornesystemstx.com> wrote:

> You might try removing the dielectric grease, it isn't needed, and put a
> star lock washer between the regulator mounting tab and the steering
> column. You can also use a volt meter to verify that the regulator is
> grounded.
> Also remember that the two wires connecting to the regulator have to be on
> the correct terminals. If they are backwards the gauges will indicate
> something, then drop to zero, not to read anything until the key is turned
> off and the regulator cooled down.
>
> Peace
> Pat
>
> Thusly spake D Riedel
>
>
>  Hi all,
>>
>> I managed to get readings out of the temp and fuel gauges by detaching the
>> reg and grounding it with a lead wire to the block.  That's the good news.
>>   Unfortunately, after sanding the contact areas on the steering column
>> and
>> the reg tab, using a new machine screw, and a dab of dielectric grease,
>> the
>> reg still does not ground when mounted.
>>
>> Are there any nice convenient spots nearby to run a direct wire as a
>> ground?  Or any better thoughts on getting the reg to ground where it is
>> supposed to?
>>
>> thanks
>>
>>
> --
> Pat Horne, Owner, Horne Systems
> (512) 797-7501 Voice & Text   5026 FM 2001
> Pat at HorneSystemsTx.com  Lockhart, TX 78644-4443
> www.hornesystemstx.com
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-- 
Dave Riedel
'69 2000
Victoria, BC