My 64 Ply Sport Fury was experiencing flickering headlights. The headlights would dim/flicker at an idle (850 rpm). Once the engine came off idle the lights would shine without flickering. Also, the amp gauge would mimic the light flickering.
So, I read and reread a lot of FBBO posts, watched U-tube videos and read many Factory Service Manuals (FSMs). Checked all the wiring, Amp Gauge connections, bulkheads, connectors and every ground with a voltmeter and visually. I ensured the VR and alternator were grounded.
Based on the unavailability of round back alternator, I decided to install the newer electronic VR, and square back alternator, which meant installing new wiring, VR, and the square back alternator. There was no change in the flickering lights, but at an idle with all accessories operating the car would charge. An upgrade!
More research (reading FBBO posts/watching more U-tube and reinspecting stuff) and found some issues w/the headlight wiring. So, ordered a headlight wiring relay kit. Installed the kit and nothing changed, except the lights were brighter. Another upgrade.
Replaced the VR and alternator with no changes. Also, whenever a connector or a connection was moved/replaced, it was crimped, soldered and heat shrink installed.
Then added a relay to supply the MSD ignition signal the electric choke and added a second relay to supply alternator power. Both relays used the starter relay post for battery power. No change in the lights.
The bulkhead connectors leading to the amp gauge were removed using 10-gauge wire. The flickering intensity decreased but was still noticeable. Maybe I missed something else.
Then I remembered, “load placement matters.” So, I moved where the choke relay received its power…not the power that switched the relay…to the alternator stud. Then I moved the constant power for the MSD box to the alternator stud. Again, the flickering decreased.
What did I miss? Looking at the headlight wiring again…decided to move the headlight relay switching wire directly to the bulkhead. Just to eliminate another connection. Moving that connection, the radiator support head light ground wire (by the battery) required to be removed. After I removed the screw, I noticed the screw was rusty. I sandblasted the screw, and cleaned the radiator support ground hole, and reinstalled the ground wire.
Not sure the ground was the sole issue. But rather a bunch of little issues contributed to the flickering lights. The best part? I was able to use this forum to research/learn about the issue, rewire the charging system and ultimately fix the problem. Learning has Occurred! Thank YOU!
So, I read and reread a lot of FBBO posts, watched U-tube videos and read many Factory Service Manuals (FSMs). Checked all the wiring, Amp Gauge connections, bulkheads, connectors and every ground with a voltmeter and visually. I ensured the VR and alternator were grounded.
Based on the unavailability of round back alternator, I decided to install the newer electronic VR, and square back alternator, which meant installing new wiring, VR, and the square back alternator. There was no change in the flickering lights, but at an idle with all accessories operating the car would charge. An upgrade!
More research (reading FBBO posts/watching more U-tube and reinspecting stuff) and found some issues w/the headlight wiring. So, ordered a headlight wiring relay kit. Installed the kit and nothing changed, except the lights were brighter. Another upgrade.
Replaced the VR and alternator with no changes. Also, whenever a connector or a connection was moved/replaced, it was crimped, soldered and heat shrink installed.
Then added a relay to supply the MSD ignition signal the electric choke and added a second relay to supply alternator power. Both relays used the starter relay post for battery power. No change in the lights.
The bulkhead connectors leading to the amp gauge were removed using 10-gauge wire. The flickering intensity decreased but was still noticeable. Maybe I missed something else.
Then I remembered, “load placement matters.” So, I moved where the choke relay received its power…not the power that switched the relay…to the alternator stud. Then I moved the constant power for the MSD box to the alternator stud. Again, the flickering decreased.
What did I miss? Looking at the headlight wiring again…decided to move the headlight relay switching wire directly to the bulkhead. Just to eliminate another connection. Moving that connection, the radiator support head light ground wire (by the battery) required to be removed. After I removed the screw, I noticed the screw was rusty. I sandblasted the screw, and cleaned the radiator support ground hole, and reinstalled the ground wire.
Not sure the ground was the sole issue. But rather a bunch of little issues contributed to the flickering lights. The best part? I was able to use this forum to research/learn about the issue, rewire the charging system and ultimately fix the problem. Learning has Occurred! Thank YOU!
