Re: sticking voltmeter
I believe what you described is coming from the brushes in the alternator. what happens is when you start the engine and stay at a low rpm the alternator won't charge, until you rev the engine up over 1000 rpms it will and that's when you see your volt gauge jump from 11-12 up to 13-14 volts. While the volt gauges are not that accurate, you will be able to notice the needle jump and if you do that's the sign the alternator is in need of maintenance. Eventually you'll have to rev the engine higher and higher to get it to charge, then it won't charge at all.<br />I don't know what type of alternator it is, guessing since you say it's 18 years old it's self-exciting. But if it isn't, then all that could be the problem is a loose wire connection, so check all your wires coming from the alternator going to wherever are secure and contacts are clean. If that don't do it, don't feel bad. 18 yr service life is pretty good.
