My volt gauge is telling me that my altanator is putting out over 15 volts (almost max on the gauge) and my oil gauge is maxed out. Both gauges went funny at the same time. Could it be a sensor? Mechanicly the car seems fine though, but I want to be sure.

 

Voltage is about right, maybe a tad high. Should be around 14v running.


Oil sending units always crap out, the best way to test that would be a cheap mechanical gauge. That will rule out everything. Or you could just pick up a sending unit and pop it in and try your luck, the gauges very rarely goof up.

 

My volts was normal a few days ago, around 14. If my gauge went higher, I think it would say 17 volts.

Stupid question; Where is the oli pressure sending unit located?

 

it screws into the block right behind the intake manifold just to the right of the distributor. its shaped like a cylinder and should have a red wire conneced to it.

 

Your oil sending unit runs on a range of 0-90 ohms. If you disconnect the (red?) wire and stuff in a 45ohm resistor between red wire and ground, your gauge should read around 30psi with ignition on. Ground that wire with no resistor and it should read 0 psi with ignition on. Two 45 ohm resistors in series (=90 ohms) will typically read slightly higher than 60 psi.

Beg borrow or steal a simple Volt meter and take a reading from your lighter socket. Wall of socket will be ground and center (bottom) will be positive (not that polarity even matters). Careful not to short probes and pop your fuse (or have a friend take a reading at the battery, engine running, and tell you what it is is as you view your gauge.)

This will help you rule out the gauges.

I can't think of anything which would make the volt gauge read higher than normal, only lower (bad ground) as far as gauges being at fault.

 

I don't think its the gauge either, I think maybe the voltage regulator in the alternator went bad. My volt meter read the same thing the last time it happend, but I don't think to oil pressure shot up because of it, but for some reason its related.

 

sounds like the voltage reg is toast but have you blown any fuses? or smelled any burnt wires? try turning everything on in the car like turn on every electrical option it has to see if it affects the gauge..not sure if it will work on a F body but it works on a gmc pickup or take the belt off the alt

 

Any updates? wuts da werd?