Generator/Ammeter Question

[Rex_A_Lott]

My 6V generator is not Model A, like I first thought, but the later Model 46 generator.
A while back I had trouble with the cutout so I replaced it with the Fun Projects Voltage regulator, and all appeared to be working for a while.
Today I noticed when I rev the motor up, the ammeter doesnt show charging any more. I did notice that the ammeter needle just kind of flickers back and forth around zero when its idling, but when the motor revs up it gets steady, but not much (if any ) above zero. I wonder if there is a good way to determine if its charging any at all.
If I turn the lights on, the ammeter shows discharge, which says its not broken, I just wonder if the zero reading is correct.
I tried moving the third brush both down and then back up, but it doesnt affect the ammeter reading much.
I also tried putting a volt meter, on the amps scale, in series with the output of the cutout, but its just a cheapo HF one and it goes apeshit when I try that. I dont have an analog meter to try, not do I have a clamp-on amp meter. I dont have a good cutout to replace the regulator with either.
I have about run out of bright ideas, so I'm looking for suggestions on checking the output of the generator and the accuracy of the ammeter.
I was trying to make sure I was ready for the parade Saturday, so I may just have to charge the battery and run it and hope it doesnt go dead during the run.