Ammeter gauge shows slight discharge
Discharge at low speeds can be from a few causes
First, you may have an "early" so called "roundback" alternator. The later so called "square back" ones are better at low RPM
Second, there might be a bad diode, etc, which dimishes the output power of the alternator
If someone has done some performance mods, you might have "underdrive" pulleys, common for drag and other racing, which slow down the alternator And don't discount that the belt may be marginal, as well
Third, wiring problems such as "the usual suspects" the bulkhead connector, etc, can aggravate the symptoms
Last, Up to a certain point, "that's how it is" with stock Mopars. Frankly, back in the day, most people just went on with their lives and "it was fine." You really have to ask yourself "just how much time do I spend idling?"
The alternator below was originally a 69/ earlier "grounded field" roundback. This is one that a rebuilder has actually MODIFIED (see the hole at top) to install a second brush to convert it for use on a 70/ later vehicle. STAY AWAY
The FACTORY roundbacks for 70/ later were also used, but also charged poorly at low RPM
Below is a later "squareback" which comes ONLY in isolated field. However you can use them with 69/ earlier regulators by grounding one field terminal. These are the ones you want for better low RPM charging
The bottom photo is out of a 70 shop manual. This was the original "isolated field" so it is NOT a rebuilder modified 69/ earlier. It has two legitimate factory isolated brushes. These also are less desirable for low RPM
Discharge at low speeds can be from a few causes
First, you may have an "early" so called "roundback" alternator. The later so called "square back" ones are better at low RPM
Second, there might be a bad diode, etc, which dimishes the output power of the alternator
If someone has done some performance mods, you might have "underdrive" pulleys, common for drag and other racing, which slow down the alternator And don't discount that the belt may be marginal, as well
Third, wiring problems such as "the usual suspects" the bulkhead connector, etc, can aggravate the symptoms
Last, Up to a certain point, "that's how it is" with stock Mopars. Frankly, back in the day, most people just went on with their lives and "it was fine." You really have to ask yourself "just how much time do I spend idling?"
The alternator below was originally a 69/ earlier "grounded field" roundback. This is one that a rebuilder has actually MODIFIED (see the hole at top) to install a second brush to convert it for use on a 70/ later vehicle. STAY AWAY
The FACTORY roundbacks for 70/ later were also used, but also charged poorly at low RPM
Below is a later "squareback" which comes ONLY in isolated field. However you can use them with 69/ earlier regulators by grounding one field terminal. These are the ones you want for better low RPM charging
The bottom photo is out of a 70 shop manual. This was the original "isolated field" so it is NOT a rebuilder modified 69/ earlier. It has two legitimate factory isolated brushes. These also are less desirable for low RPM
