Obsessive focus on alternator needle

[billschroeder5842]

So this post is related (but different) to some of my earlier posts as I'm narrowing down some issues....

Is there anything wrong with my alternator gauge needle when it does what appears to be a ever so slight, fast vibration with the lights on?

With the lights off, the alternator needle is rock solid, just to the right of center. With the lights on, the needle is still right of center but has this "vibration" thing going. The lights on the dash on the head light seem to be operating normally (slight dim when brakes applied and other power equipment is turned on, then back up to normal) and pretty steady.

Is this normal or am I weirdly obsessive (no comments please, I'm immune)?

Oh, the electronic fuel pump (previous owner) is pulling power from the + side of the distributor. Any performance issues? I've taken it off and on (Still has a mechanical pump) and I really don't see any difference.

Thanks!

[elacruze]

If you still have the mechanical voltage regulator, the vibration is no more than the contact points opening and closing. A mechanical regulator doesn't actually regulate voltage, it uses pulse width modulation to achieve a satisfactory average. 

[billschroeder5842]

Funny, I have both a mechanical voltage regulator AND a newer style (again, previous owner); it semed to work so I left it.

Glad to hear that the needle vibration is OPS normal!

thanks!