Questions and Answers

Ford Has Flickering Lights Q. Dear Sir: I have a Kit Car. 1955 Thunderbird. Has EFI 302 1993 Ford Cobra Engine. Is super charged Powerdyne with headers, Ford Motorsport Racing Heads and high performance cam. The lights, dash, park, tail and interior flicker at Idle. (Idle about 700 Rpm) The flickering seems to stop between 1,500 and 1,700 RPM.

We tried changing the regulator (have a 130 AMP Ford) then changed to a brand new alternator. No help! As you suggested, I did a load up battery check on a two year old Sears Diehard Battery. Battery is Good.

Have never noticed the lights flickering before but I rarely take the car out at night. So I can't narrow the problem down to something I might of done. It might of been in there for a quite awhile. I have the car for two years.

Don't know what to do next. Is there some in line capacitor or something I need off the alternator or a different regulator that will help. Just don't know what else to look for or do. Can you help me?

Thank you.
Rich

A. Well, if the battery is good and the alternator is good, then I would have to look at the battery capacity. The amperage rating may be too low for the vehicle. I don't have the exact specs right in front of me, but with the engine set up the way you have it, I would get one that is at least double what the car calls for.

Your not using an external regulator with an alternator that has a built-in regulator, are you?