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Looking for some wisdom here, as I don't know much about these "newer" cars.
1969 Impala, 327 automatic. Mostly original mechanically, 68,000 miles. Recently, when driving at night, the headlights will grow dimmer, stay there, then brighter, stay there, back and forth, no apparent pattern or relation to speed, road conditions, etc. They never go out, though.
History - haven't had this car very long. Had to put an el cheapo rebuilt Auto Zone (I think) alternator in it a short while ago, at the Central Meet.
This evening going to a local cruise-in, the "Alternator" light came on (actually, it says "GEN" which I thought was kind of interesting). I jiggled the wires at the alternator and at the voltage regulator. the light went out, hasn't come back on (yet).
Should I be looking at the alternator, or the voltage regulator? Or something else.
Thanks!
Chevy Guru
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Willwood Engineering
Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures high-performance disc brake systems.
Wilwood Engineering, Inc. - 4700 Calle Bolero - Camarillo, CA 93012 - (805) 388-1188
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Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 570 |
what is the voltagr at the battery when running?
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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I think you have two problems. The light situation sounds like either a loose connection or bad ground. The other problem is probably related to the rebuilt gen/alt. It takes a few hours for the brushes to settle in on a rebuilt unit. I would work on the first problem and then chase the second one.  
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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I had the exact same lighting problem with our 1969 Impala Sport Coupe. The lights would go dim, stay there, get bright and again stay there. Determined that it was a faulty voltage regulator so I changed it out with a new unit. In my case, that cured the problem!  :) :grin:
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: Nov 2001
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ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
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The light problem could also be the dimmer switch. Had one do that about 40 years ago. Seems it was bad or dirty contacts in the switch. Replaced it and all was fine.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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ChatMaster - 10,000
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ChatMaster - 10,000
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Did the lights do this before you replaced the alternator? Why do you think the alternator quit? Don't forget to check the battery cables and the positive lead (10 ga.) that connects to the positive terminal.
When you get the 69 done come out here and help me put a new AC and electronic cruise on our 1968 Impala Sport Sedan. It ought to be esay after working on the 2 door. Our dimmer switch would not click, click real swift until I soaked it with PB Blaster and then WD-40. Now it is smmoooth as Kentucky sourmash.
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 1,500
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Thanks folks for all the input. I got time yesterday and put a new voltage regulator on. Last night I took a test drive (have to wait until its dark out to see what's going on very well) and the problem did not re-occur. In fact, the lights seemed significantly brighter.
Tomorrow we are going to a big Cruise-In about 50 miles away, so I will have a long drive home in the dark. That will be the real test. Volts at the battery were at 14 or 14.2.
The new NAPA Voltage regulator is Made in China, and solid state. But at least it looks the same. I saved the Delco Remy original, and will switch the housings once I know we are fixed.
Chevy Guru
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Good for you. We will make a mechanic out of you yet.
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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Or at least a good parts exchanger :)
Gene Schneider
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Yep, it's fixed.
What a great cruise-in. Nearly 1,000 cars, it is good to be living in the geographic center of the old car hobby. Most of them Chevys (or at least Chevy powered). Ran into 4 different VCCA members.
Chevy Guru
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Joined: Nov 2001
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Yep....the symptoms you described were typical of a defective voltage regulator. :) :grin:
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 350 Likes: 1 |
Solid State is a good choice, I have found. I've had a few too many problems with regulators on my '71 and '72 Impala's and '72 C-10 Pick-Up. I would buy real good heavy duty old type regs and they still wouldn't last. I finally switched over to Solid State and have had good luck with them.
I would suggest to buy a spare tho, to keep it in your car especially on those long trips you may be taking.
Bill
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