Bad ammeter

L

loubob

Senior Member
Original generator was semi rebuilt last week.

Tech set charge to 10.4 amps.

Installed on car. When running, ammeter shows 20 amp charging.

Need to take car for annual inspection tomorrow.

Is it o.k. to drive the car?

If not, why???

Loubob
 
20 amps will cook the battery and generator. You need to move the adjustable brush UP to lower the amps. I only use an electronic voltage regulator in my generators, but for a stock generator I would lower the amps to between 2 and 3 amps for daytime driving.
 
Any chance the battery polarity is reversed? Or maybe the generator polarity is reversed? Did the tech know the car was positive ground?

Charlie Stephens
 
Car ran fine prior to partial rebuild. Charged @10 amps w/orig. ammeter.
I watched tech run generator and max'd out @ 10.4.
Now, with an original used ammeter it shows +20 @ semi-fast idle.
Wanted to get the car inspected today(10/27) and want to know if it is safe to drive it.
I'm hoping to have TW redo w/evr over the Winter.
Thanks for the responses.

Bob
 
Explained the situation to the tech and he stated I could drive it with no problems.
I've done some work on the car but electrics are not my forte.

Bob
 
What happens when you turn on the headlights? It should drop down to a safe level then you can fix things after inspection. Toms vr is a way to go and avoid concern and worry. Jack
 
I am NOT an electrical tech.
I appreciate all responses.
My question is: Can the ammeter change the 10.4 amp output of the generator to +20 amps??? I would think that the ammeter is just a 'conductor' and can only transfer whatever amperage it is given.

Am I correct??????

Bob
 
loubob said:
I am NOT an electrical tech.
I appreciate all responses.
My question is: Can the ammeter change the 10.4 amp output of the generator to +20 amps??? I would think that the ammeter is just a 'conductor' and can only transfer whatever amperage it is given.

Am I correct??????

Bob
Click to expand...
The ammeter, if working properly, changes nothing, only measures it. If it is broken it might stop current going through it but it will in no way change a 10.4 amp output from the generator to 20 amps.

Charlie Stephens
 
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