Newbie ammeter problem

J

JBohannon

Senior Member
How can it be. I cannot get any movement on my ammeter needle. I just bought a new ammeter and same thing. I am trying to check out my powerhouse generator. I have power to the ammeter, I can loosen the fan belt and motor the generator but the needle does not move. Ever. what gives. Thanks, Joe B.
 
With the engine off turn the lights on and see if it moves. If it does move then the meter is OK. To check the generator for output you can use a VOLT meter. Run the engine at fast idle and you should have at least 6 volts. If there is an open in the charging circuit and you don't have an EVR, then the generator can put out up to 40 volts. Then your CHARGING circuit can become a CHARING circuit!:eek:
 
I got one I'll trade you :D
I think the one I just put in the pickup is NOS "Rick Pak" (old timers will remember the "quality" that went into his stuff)
Mine almost NEVER stops moving - it flops all over the place - even though my digital meter shows a contant voltage
It's a great distraction from looking out the windsheild :rolleyes:
 
I'd REALLY like to see an A ammeter with a quality, accurate, sensitive D'Arsonval movement instead of the junk inductive design used by Henry. Fun Projects' Inc. makes one for the Model T. Look HERE. Shouldn't be too much trouble to gut it and fit it into an "A" ammeter case. Again, you get what you pay for!
 
I am trying to say it is a new ammeter and needle never moves. Not for lights on nothing. Not positive or negative. I think I may have wiring problem. What if I have 2 wires backwards on ammeter. Would that affect it. Thanks,
 
If you have the wires reversed, the ammeter would work backwards, but it would still work (would show discharge while charging, would show charging while engine off and everything turned on)
I would get an a multi meter or a circuit tester and start checking connections at the terminal box to be sure the two wires on the back of the gauge aren't touching - the ammeter measures current flow - it almost sounds like both wires are on the same side of the terminal box (just making a circle)
 
Does the engine start and stay running?? You said there was power to the meter,, is there power thru the meter ?? I'd suggest downloading a wiring diagram and start looking..
 
ScottNW/Ohio said:
I got one I'll trade you :D
I think the one I just put in the pickup is NOS "Rick Pak" (old timers will remember the "quality" that went into his stuff)
Mine almost NEVER stops moving - it flops all over the place - even though my digital meter shows a contant voltage
It's a great distraction from looking out the windsheild :rolleyes:
Click to expand...


Scott

It might not be the meter. A lose wire , week brush spring and a bad bushing could also be the cause. I have to have pin point accuracy on all of my instruments too. Just kidding. If the darn thing will start going down hill, I am happy and the grand kids do not have a wagon across the road filled with kittens.
 
Easiest first step is to put a volt meter to each terminal on the terminal box.
If 6 V in and nothing out, take it out to see if a bad wire or grounded or open connection.
If six volts in AND out, probably a bad needle or movement.
 
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