The Ford Barn

brum1 · 02-28-2012, 08:18 PM

Running 10 amps at 30 mph (8 with the cowl lights on) ammeter bounce +/- 2 amps (about) Is this normal or can it run steady as a rock? Don't notice light flicker or any other electrical issue but wonder if something may be on the edge

Tom Wesenberg · 02-28-2012, 09:41 PM

That's pretty normal. When I restore the ammeter, or have it out and the cover off, I always lube the 2 pivot points with thick gear oil. It lubes and dampens the needle shake.

JBR · 02-29-2012, 09:04 AM

Tom,
Define thick gear oil? 600W?
Thanks,
Jon

Purdy Swoft · 02-29-2012, 10:58 AM

I guess it depends on how much bounce. I have found that weak brush springs or an out of round commutator will cause the needle to bounce. Sometimes bounce can be caused by brushes not properly fitted to the commutator. In some cases I have reached in and held pressure on the brush while the engine is running and let the brushes wear in to the commutator, rather than disassembling the generator that somebody else has worked on. This practice can be dangerious if your finger gets caught up in the generator. I am always careful. Using a screwdriver to hold pressure on the brush can cost you an armature if it slips and cuts the wires where they enter the segments.

Tom Wesenberg · 02-29-2012, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBR

Tom,
Define thick gear oil? 600W?
Thanks,
Jon

Yes, 600W if I have some handy. If not, then the heaviest oil at hand.

RonC · 02-29-2012, 11:39 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Hook up a modern analog meter to compare. Also 10 amps is a little steep if you do a lot of daytime driving. You can go as low as 3 amps if you are pretty much limited to daylight driving and you use your car all summer.

brum1 · 02-29-2012, 04:38 PM

Guys-thanks for all the feedback-guess i will back it down a few amps as most of my driving is during the day

02-28-2012, 08:18 PM	#1
brum1 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Raynham, Mass. Posts: 583	Ammeter bounce-normal?? Running 10 amps at 30 mph (8 with the cowl lights on) ammeter bounce +/- 2 amps (about) Is this normal or can it run steady as a rock? Don't notice light flicker or any other electrical issue but wonder if something may be on the edge __________________ "no one knows more than everyone"

02-28-2012, 09:41 PM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Ammeter bounce-normal?? That's pretty normal. When I restore the ammeter, or have it out and the cover off, I always lube the 2 pivot points with thick gear oil. It lubes and dampens the needle shake. Last edited by Tom Wesenberg; 02-29-2012 at 06:35 AM.

02-29-2012, 09:04 AM	#3
JBR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Iowa Posts: 346	Re: Ammeter bounce-normal?? Tom, Define thick gear oil? 600W? Thanks, Jon

02-29-2012, 10:58 AM	#4
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Ammeter bounce-normal?? I guess it depends on how much bounce. I have found that weak brush springs or an out of round commutator will cause the needle to bounce. Sometimes bounce can be caused by brushes not properly fitted to the commutator. In some cases I have reached in and held pressure on the brush while the engine is running and let the brushes wear in to the commutator, rather than disassembling the generator that somebody else has worked on. This practice can be dangerious if your finger gets caught up in the generator. I am always careful. Using a screwdriver to hold pressure on the brush can cost you an armature if it slips and cuts the wires where they enter the segments.

02-29-2012, 11:39 AM	#6
RonC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 1,868	Re: Ammeter bounce-normal?? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Hook up a modern analog meter to compare. Also 10 amps is a little steep if you do a lot of daytime driving. You can go as low as 3 amps if you are pretty much limited to daylight driving and you use your car all summer.

02-29-2012, 04:38 PM	#7
brum1 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Raynham, Mass. Posts: 583	Re: Ammeter bounce-normal?? Guys-thanks for all the feedback-guess i will back it down a few amps as most of my driving is during the day __________________ "no one knows more than everyone"