RE: IML: voltage limiter question

["Dick Benjamin" <dickb@xxxxxxxxx>]

The pulsating voltage is correct, that is the way the voltage "limiter"
works. Its job is to produce approximately 5 volts (average) to operate the
gauges, so it puts out 12 volts for about 42% of the time, and 0 volts for
58% of the time, that is what makes your meter or test light show a variable
voltage. Since the gauge display units are heat operated, they don't react
quickly enough to be bothered by the pulsating voltage.  

The situation you describe is what it should be, except that when you put
the dash back in, something connected to the pulsating voltage wire is
coming in contact with bare metal, somehow.

Dick Benjamin

-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Tim Durrer
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 5:08 PM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: voltage limiter question

Hello all, I am also having gauge problems on my 73. I
have read all the information on the website, studied
the FSM and have concluded I also have a faulty
voltage limiter. My problem started when the fuel
gauge moved past full and the fuse protecting the
gauge circuit blew. Upon replacing the fuse, it blew
again in a matter of seconds followed by a small puff
of smoke out of the top of the dash. I have pulled the
instrument panel completely out of the car and I am
awaiting the delivery of the part.

My question: The blue wire that was attached to the
back of the fuel gauge according to the FSM wiring
diagram goes back to the fuel tank sending unit which
is grounded. Why does my test light come on and the
light pulsate on this wire when I turn on the ignition
switch? In reading the wiring diagram, current should
flow from the limiter, through the gauge to this blue
wire, to the sending unit and then to ground. If I am
reading this right why am I getting voltage on this
wire if the dash is completely out of the car? Could I
have a short somewhere else? Incidentally, the fuse
now holds with instrument panel out of the car.

Help!

Tim Durer
73 Lebaron

--- stephen dilley <stephendilley@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> 
> hi, i am back from a hot rod weekend here in in the
> uk, whilst having 
> problems with failed gauges and high reading oil
> pressure- now smoke came a 
> wafting out of the indicator stalk hole on my 60
> crown. ??? still works 
> mind. the car is a star and wish to keep it so ...
> am using it for a wedding on saturday just hope she
> dont go up in flames !!! 
> how do you get to the cluster??? for limiter? should
> i just fit some remote 
> modern gauges and leave well alone ? back to the
> indicator smoke , wots all 
> that about? also i have a power drain somewhere
> which leaves a low glow on 
> the handbrake on light. unable to locate source, so
> av bin removing battery 
> lead to prevent flat.
> 
> 
> best wishes, steve.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> >From: randalpark@xxxxxxx
> >Reply-To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> >To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> >Subject: Re: IML: Stupid mistake NOW voltage
> limiter question
> >Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 12:23:34 -0400
> >
> >My experience on the voltage limiter has been
> solely on the 1960 through 
> >1963 models. I am not aware of the need for it in
> others being as great as 
> >in this group of Imperials. On 1960 through 1963,
> it is SUPER easy, and 
> >must be done to have working gauges.
> >
> >The limiter is attached to the back of the cluster.
> The attachment point 
> >acts as a ground. The power input is connected to
> it, instead of the gauge 
> >with the limiter in it, the output is routed to the
> first gauge with a 
> >jumper from the new limiter, and then to the
> remaining gauges with the 
> >existing wiring.
> >
> >I suspect that it is similar to install in other
> years, but the other years 
> >may have an external limiter to start with that is
> replaceable. I just 
> >don't know. I haven't had reason to do it. Outside
> of 1960 through 1963, 
> >the gauges in my Imperials have worked fine and not
> changed their function 
> >in any way over time or with mileage. 1960 through
> 1963 have ALL required 
> >replacement of the limiter. This is a chronic
> problem for those cars. The 
> >problem has ceased to exist in the 1960-63 models
> that I have installed the 
> >external limiter.
> >
> >There is extensive discussion about this in the OIC
> site.
> >
> >Paul W.
> >
> >
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: mann340s@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> >To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> >Sent: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 6:49 AM
> >Subject: IML: Stupid mistake NOW voltage limiter
> question
> >
> >
> >Paul,
> >
> >You mentioned the external voltage limiter in your
> reply.  I have made 
> >simple electronic limiters for some of my 67
> A-bodies, but haven't 
> >replaced/rerouted to bypass a faulty internal
> limiter.  Is this discussed 
> >somewhere in our website, or is it simple enough to
> describe again in 
> >email?  I'll need to do this to at least three cars
> if I ever get that far.
> >
> >Thanks,
> >
> >Michael
> >65 Crown (two, neither salvageable)
> >67 Crown Coupe project
> >68 Crown
>
>________________________________________________________________________
> >Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video
> search, pictures, email and 
> >IM. All on demand. Always Free.
> 
> 
> 
> 
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