model a amp meter
 

My amp meter is showing a 10 amp discharge when driving. I sort of forgot if you should push the brush up or down ?? What say you ? Thank you in advance !!

Re: model a amp meter
 

You should push down on the adjustable third brush to increase charge rate .

Re: model a amp meter
 

Lights on or off?

Re: model a amp meter
 

Put a voltmeter on the battery first. Could be someone reversed polarity on the car without changing meter polarity, or several other reasons.

Re: model a amp meter
 

Lights off

Re: model a amp meter
 

Either the generator is faulty or the meter or battery is backward.

Re: model a amp meter
 

Not much info.
Needle at zero when not running ?
Needle show discharge with lights on, engine off ?

Re: model a amp meter
 

Needle at zero when not running . Lights are not hooked up

Re: model a amp meter
 

On what side of the battery is the ground strap?

Re: model a amp meter
 

No lights, well, we need to know how the ammeter is hooked up. You could be charging with the ammeter backwards. Or you may not be charging and the ammeter is correct. You appear to be 6v with generator which means the positive battery lead goes to ground. If you feed power to the generator with the belt off or loose the generator should spin or try to spin. Jumping across the cut-out will polarize the generator which might be what is needed. There is a lot of info we need to know.

Re: model a amp meter
 

Polarity will affect the ammeter as was mentioned. A 10-amp discharge indicates high resistance somewhere as well. Just an ignition system won't draw that much. Condition of wiring, polarity, properly connected devices, and condition of the generator can all have an effect. Is this an original ammeter, or a reproduction? Reproduction units are not worth a crap. Make sure the electrical system is properly connected and ground paths are good and clean before doing any adjustments. The battery needs to be in good condition as well. A bad battery can kill a generator. The cut out needs to be functional as well.

Re: model a amp meter
 

The answer will narrow down and possibly answer the mystery!

Re: model a amp meter
 

The positive side is grounded.

Re: model a amp meter
 

Ok now hook up a headlight, even temporary and turn it on, and tell us what the ammeter shows. My bet is the meter is hooked up in reverse.

Re: model a amp meter
 

Which color wire goes to which side ?? Thank you

Re: model a amp meter
 

Of the ammeter? It doesn't matter, just reverse them if you are doing this specific test.

Re: model a amp meter
 

This is an excellent sight for answers. https://modelagarage.com/electrical/

If your lights aren't connected. Make sure that the light switch, associated wiring, and lamp assemblies are all connected properly and that the wiring is in good condition before switching the lights on.

On an original amp meter, just turning on the ignition should show a slight discharge unless the points are open. Cranking the starter will make the needle swing back & forth until it starts.

With the different types of cut out products and also the Fun Projects voltage regulator that looks like a cut out, a person needs to know what they have there. It can affect how the amp meter indicates a reading.