MG Car Repair: voltage stabilizer, generator voltage regulator, informative directions

Question
QUESTION: Voltage stabilizer doesn't read anything near 10 volts; in fact it jumps like a turkey fleeing the dinner table; I would take it that this means the stabilizer has failed??

thanks again for your quick & informative directions

pete

ANSWER: Hi Pete,

Not necessarily, depending on how and what kind of volt meter you used. You should have it connected to the two gauges that it powers. I used a analog meter. I don't think you can use a digital meter that picks up short term readings. As least someone told me that. But I know a analog meter testing it when it is connected to it's load (the two gauges) works well.

Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Howard,

When I first checked the circuit I used a trouble light which also blinked on and off like a turn signal.  How can the sending unit read correctly if the voltage is jumping around?  From what I have read its suppose to cut the power back to 10 volts?  Is this incorrect info?

please help I'm confused!

pete

Answer
Pete, I told you you need a analog volt meter (one with a needle) to test it, not a test light and it needs to be connected to the gauges. Yes, it cuts the power down to 10v but it does it like an old DC generator voltage regulator so when you try to use the WRONG method of testing, you don't get any test.

Howard