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My turn signals work ok with lights off but when I turn the head lights on the turn signals slow down almost to a stop the alt is putting out 12 to 13 amp/volts what could be the problem?
Replace the flasher.
(05-19-2010, 01:28 AM)ken72 Wrote: [ -> ]My turn signals work ok with lights off but when I turn the head lights on the turn signals slow down almost to a stop the alt is putting out 12 to 13 amp/volts what could be the problem?

I'm pretty sure the alt should be putting out over 14 volts. I'll try to find out and post up later. Could be the alternator or the regulator.
(05-19-2010, 01:28 AM)ken72 Wrote: [ -> ]My turn signals work ok with lights off but when I turn the head lights on the turn signals slow down almost to a stop the alt is putting out 12 to 13 amp/volts what could be the problem?

I checked my vintage 1973 Ford Factory Shop Manual and it states the following (paraphrased):

Check the battery voltage with a volt meter with the car not running (with no other electrical load, i.e. no doors open or any lights on, etc) and note the voltage.

Start engine and test again at 1500 RPM's (with no other electrical load). The voltage should "increase 1 volt but not more than 2 volts above the first reading.

In my experience a fully charged battery usually reads about 12.5 volts when the engine is not running.

Hope this helps.
Good post my first check would have been the flasher, but your service manual make more sense.
(05-19-2010, 11:36 AM)1972 Mach 1 Wrote: [ -> ]Good post my first check would have been the flasher, but your service manual make more sense.

Flashers can slow down with age, but when Ken72 said he was only seeing 12 to 13 volts it sounds more like a voltage regulator or the alternator.
Hey Ken, did you get the problem resolved? If so let us know what it was so we can add to our knowledge base!
I got side tracked rebuilding my carb once i get the 2V installed I will check my battery and post my finding
My turn signals were real intermittent. A couple of fast flashes and then a pause and then a couple of slow flashes....

I replaced the flasher unit and they work perfectly. I can even hear the "clicking" sound when the turn signal is engaged.

Extremely cheap fix as this worked for me.

By the way. The flasher unit on my 73 is on the right side of the glove box just outside of the box area.

Dennis

PS: Isn't it time to rename the "glovebox" to "Title and Registration" box or do people still keep their gloves in there?
Forgive the late response but.... The battery should read 12.6 volts when the car is off and 14.0-14.5 volts when it's running. If you are only getting 12-13V, you probably have a bad regulator or a blown diode in the alternator. If you take the alternator to any parts house, they should be able to test it for you.

Steve