intermittent charging problem

[Puka]

Sometimes the gauge shows that the system is charging, sometimes not. Sometimes (while driving, of course!) there does not _appear_ to be a charge (according to the gauge) and then all of a sudden the guage will _indicate_ that its charging while I am driving.<P>The wire harness (new) is good. The voltage regulator is good, the generator is good. Someone suggested to me that the guage may "have some dust in it." I checked all connections. The battery (for the moment!) is good.<P>I'm stumped as to why this problem is happening. Any ideas? Someone else suggested the generator belt.<P>Thanks!<P>Puka<BR>'51 Buick Super sedan

[The Old Guy]

It may be that your system is workimg as it should. When the battery is fully charged,the regulator will kick the charging rate down to just enough to maintain the system. this will show as almost nothing on your guage. A test to see if your system is functioning properlyis to drive the car until it kicks to zero ,turn on the lights ,and see if the needlechanges. It should either stay the same or go back into a charging mode.

[Oxnard Montalvo]

Gentlemen,<BR> I mean no disrespect but it's GAUGE. The other spelling hurts my head.

[Guest]

A simple way to check if your alternator is charging is to hold a screw driver onto the shaft at the back while the car is running. The shaft will be slightly magnetic.