So all this talk about charging issues and the recommendation that the first gauge a person should get for a Volvo 240 is a volt gauge, I looked on eBay to find one for a good price. There were a few but most wanted $60-$80 for the gauge(did not include the trim bezel or the "feet"

I opted for a cheapy digital gauge bought from the local Sat-Sun flea market place. It is a cheap China made gauge called Dragon Gauge. It is 52mm and fits in perfect except for the gauge's bezel was a bit taller then the Volvo gauge and the trim bezel would not fit.

I hooked power wire to the cig lighter and used one of the screws behind the dash for ground. I then filed the trim bezel down a little and it fit.There is a slight gap between the gauge and trim piece now but that don't bother me

Here are some pics(sorry about the quality as I was leaning over and rushing)


Off


With ign on but not started



After starting up cold engine



Gauge works well and is easy to see in the daylight(even with the sun on it) and at night(the light is no distracting)


The other question I have is that even at a cold start the max voltage with it running is 13.8volts and not 14v.(Gauge range is up to 17v) I tested the voltage with my fluke digital meter and it confirmed the gauge reading of 13.8v

Is this mean that the alternator or the brushes in the alt are bad? Or is the Volvo system is only 13V running and not 14v like other cars?

Thanks

 

On my 79 242 volt readings only go up to 13.8.....good brushes....new battery...good tension on belts...good charging circuit components....

gauge looks good...

 

My 1991 240 is usually 13.8 Volts when charging, and about 12.5 from cold start up. I've got the old analog style gauge, but these numbers come from my digital multi-meter off the battery. So your numbers sound good to me.

 

the voltage MIGHT be slightly higher at the battery terminals, but probably not enough different to matter.

as long as the running voltage is about 1-1.5V higher than the battery 'rest' voltage, you're good. 14V is actually almost too high, much more than that and the battery can over-charge and boil away its electrolyte.

 

Thanks for the replies