BeerThurdy

So I've got an 89 5.0, MSD 6AL box, OE Alternator, MSD Cap and Rotor, and a blaster coil that replaced the OE Ford coil.

When I'm at Idle, the voltage meter in the dash reads around 4 or 5, as soon as I accelerate, it goes up to the normal 13-14 range. The only thing this affects - that i have noticed - is the turn signals; they blink VERY slow when im sitting at idle and speed up when i accelerate...

So tired of chasing wires, anyone else have this problem and has solved it???

-Jonny

TrimDrip

The computer would should down the car before it got that low. The gauge is wrong.

thegstring

I agree and dont agree with TrinDip, i have the same issue with my turn signals, but 5 volts and the car would shut down. Mine dips under 12 with lights and stereo on and my turn signals WON'T flash at all. Try replacing the turn signal flasher relay (if you can find it, mine is still MIA) with an electronic one instead of the bimetal, and bite the bullet and replace the alternator with a 3g one. Should give you no more issues.

enfausn

You need a bigger alternator. Bite the bullet and upgrade, you'll be glad you did. The turn signals blink slow because you don't have enough power.

00blackstang

Put smaller pulley on the alternator. Problem solved

ttocs

your not using underdrive pullies are ya?

BeerThurdy

Ive been playing with the idea of the alternator. Its pretty new - or looks newish - but there is no indication of model, year, amps, nothin like that so maybe ill try and replace it. thanks guys.

TrimDrip

If the battery is good, it shouldn't that low even if the car doesn't have an alternator on it. I bet if you put a battery tester on it, it would read over twice what the gauge is showing.

mattdel

Your description of the problem is the signs of a low amperage alternator combined with not-perfect wiring. The gauge is fine, it specifically shows alternator voltage when the engine is on. Look into a 3G conversion

Stock foxbody alternators are 65 amps, and so are the part store replacements. Combine that with wiring that has a bit more resistance in it due to age, and you get a dimming headlight, slow blinker, dipping gauge. 3G alternators are stock in 94-98 Mustangs and some earlier T-birds as well. They come in 110 and 130 amp.

MJR if you happen to see this, can you look into getting the pictures in that link I supplied working again?