wd ignition problem?

With the engine running, is it possible that digital is picking up something from the alternator? Remove the belt while running the engine so the alternator is not spinning or get an analog meter 

I was thinking of finding an analong meter. I will remove the belt and try that as well.
Hadn't thought of a crack in the cap. It looks good but that doesnt meen it is. Wires are new so i hope they r not an issue. But i suspect they might be.
Thank you both

Hi Kev!

Okay, so obviously you've narrowed it down to being engine run/ignition related.

Since you noted your meter being erratic just being close, I'd bet that two things are happening here:

First, the meter's input impedance must be very, very high... in order to be that sensitive, it either MUST be, or it's got dead batteries... and it's probably an auto-ranging meter too.

Second, the ignition system IS imparting a certain amount of 'noise' into the electrical system that 'APPEARS' to be substantial, but more likely that it's simply not the case... you probably have enough AC noise (from the ignition) appearing in the DC circuit, to be misinterpreted by the digital meter. A weak battery in the meter CAN cause it to do this, particularly if the meter has a high input impedance.

It may be that your ignition condenser is less-than-good.

It may be that your ignition coil ground is less than good. (mounting bracket wrapped around coil isn't always a good ground path.

A lower-impedance analog voltmeter would certainly reduce the possibility of errant readings. Another thing that MAY yield a more predictable answer, is to repeat your test, but with the headlights on... as the headlights will serve as a low-enough impedance load that any AC signals that result from aforementioned sources would likely be absorbed at a low impedance level.

Hi Kev i can`t help you with this
but i did come across this before
one was six volt with a generator
one was twelve volt with and alternator
and one was a twelve volt with a
generator i tried two digital voltmeter
and my snap on  analog voltmeter
i try twenty feet of wire and
when i connected got the same
meter goes nuts  i don`t know ..

take the meter and try on a car
and it work find  got me stump
if you find out i would like to know
as well    good luck

  B:-)       Dnoym

PS where Steve when you need him lol

Put new Batteries in your meter.