Ammeter

A TRUCK

A TRUCK

Member
Hi Guys

Can someone please give me some info on Ammeters.


I'm running the original 6 volt generator and am wanting to know what the ammeter should be reading for the following....


  1. At idle with no headlights on
  2. Whilst driving with no headlights on
  3. At idle with headlights on
  4. Whilst driving with headlights on




Many thanks

Basil
 
Basil - The Ford Service Bulletins state 10-amps during cold weather, and 6-amps during hot weather. These settings are at 1500 rpm engine speed. It is also stated the individual driver may need to adjust to their driving conditions; such as long continuous driving may require a lower setting so as not to over-charge the battery.
 
At idle no headlights-slightly to discharge
Driving with no headlights--6-10 amps, possibly more depending on charge rate and vehicle use.
At idle with headlights on--discharge 12-20 amps depending on headlight bulbs.
Driving with headlights on --discharge 6-15 amps or so depending on charge rate and headlamp bulbs

The owners instruction book says it is normal to have a discharge while driving with the headlights on
 
There are too many variable to answer your question as presented:

Sealed beams or original bulbs, or Halogen? What wattage?
Any other electrical accessories on at the same time?
What is your engine idle RPM set to?
The generator output is controlled by the movable/adjustable third brush if the generator has not been modified. Do not know where yours is set.
Are you aware that the generator will not begin to charge until you bring the motor RPM's up to about 700. So if you start the motor and never rev it up a bit, the amp meter will just show discharge.

Try searching "generator output idle headlights amp ammeter" you will probably be able to deduce your answer from the posts that come up. Or at least garner enough information to do some testing.
 
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A lot also depends on how often you drive it, how long you drive it and type of use (day/night). The service bulletin instructions are for normal everyday driving. You could set yours for 3 amps for mostly daytime warm weather driving. Too low and your battery will be near dead. Too high and you will shorten the life of your battery and generator. Find a happy medium between 3 and 9 or 10 amps. Higher if you do a lot if headlight driving.
 
On long daytime driving on Route 66 deserts, if folks could smell their battery "cookin" at a stop, then they would drive with the headlights on. Bill W.
 
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