The Ford Barn

Gary/IA · 06-28-2011, 09:59 AM

I just noticed that the ammeter reading now stays at about 18 and doesn't come back to zero. The ammeter has been indicating normal operation until today. The battery is new and seems fully charged. I am using a 6volt + ground alternator.

I know we have some very knowledgeable people about this subject on Fordbarn, I am not one of them. I would appreciate any suggestions as how to proceed to trouble shoot this problem.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Discovered the battery was actually low. I evidently left the lights on

, someone turned them off later. When I discovered this I checked the battery and it was down. Everything was working as it should except me

.

HoarseWhisperer · 06-28-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary/IA

I just noticed that the ammeter reading now stays at about 18 and doesn't come back to zero. The ammeter has been indicating normal operation until today. The battery is new and seems fully charged. I am using a 6volt + ground alternator.

I know we have some very knowledgeable people about this subject on Fordbarn, I am not one of them. I would appreciate any suggestions as how to proceed to trouble shoot this problem.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Gary, I assume you have tried moving the brush that adjusts the charging rate?

MrTube · 06-28-2011, 10:25 AM

Hoarse : He is using a 6V alternator.

My first move would be to throw a volt meter across the alternator and see what voltage its producing. I think on a 6V system it should be 7-8v?

HoarseWhisperer · 06-28-2011, 10:31 AM

Oops! Missed it.

In the words of Roseanne Roseannadanna, "Nevermind".

Pilotdave · 06-28-2011, 10:37 AM

There's another thread on here that may be on topic. Mentioned that a high reading at the ammeter indicates that the internal voltage regulator is failing. See post 29 on "Curious Question on Alternator.

Purdy Swoft · 06-28-2011, 12:26 PM

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Is the ammeter getting hot to the touch? A loose or poor connection at the ammeter or the battery cables could be the problem.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 06-28-2011, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary/IA

I just noticed that the ammeter reading now stays at about 18 and doesn't come back to zero. The ammeter has been indicating normal operation until today. The battery is new and seems fully charged. I am using a 6volt + ground alternator.

I know we have some very knowledgeable people about this subject on Fordbarn, I am not one of them. I would appreciate any suggestions as how to proceed to trouble shoot this problem.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Discovered the battery was actually low. I evidently left the lights on

, someone turned them off later. When I discovered this I checked the battery and it was down. Everything was working as it should except me

.

When the battery is REALLY fully charged the charge rate will begin to cut back! Don't worry, as the alternator is doing what it was commissioned to do.

Patrick L. · 06-29-2011, 08:07 AM

18 amps from an alternator isn't that much.. If it doesn't start to cut back after a while then I'd get concerned.. If you don't want to wait for the alternator to do its job just charge the battery and see if that helps..

06-28-2011, 09:59 AM	#1
Gary/IA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ellston, Iowa Posts: 247	High ammeter reading? FOLLOW - UP I just noticed that the ammeter reading now stays at about 18 and doesn't come back to zero. The ammeter has been indicating normal operation until today. The battery is new and seems fully charged. I am using a 6volt + ground alternator. I know we have some very knowledgeable people about this subject on Fordbarn, I am not one of them. I would appreciate any suggestions as how to proceed to trouble shoot this problem. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Discovered the battery was actually low. I evidently left the lights on , someone turned them off later. When I discovered this I checked the battery and it was down. Everything was working as it should except me. Last edited by Gary/IA; 06-28-2011 at 03:56 PM.

06-28-2011, 10:25 AM	#3
MrTube Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,471	Re: High ammeter reading? Hoarse : He is using a 6V alternator. My first move would be to throw a volt meter across the alternator and see what voltage its producing. I think on a 6V system it should be 7-8v?

06-28-2011, 10:31 AM	#4
HoarseWhisperer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,470	Re: High ammeter reading? Oops! Missed it. In the words of Roseanne Roseannadanna, "Nevermind". __________________ I know a lot of things; I just can't remember them all. 1928 CCPU 82-A 1931 Roadster 40-B Dlx (Canadian)

06-28-2011, 10:37 AM	#5
Pilotdave Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Grafton, MA Posts: 1,226	Re: High ammeter reading? There's another thread on here that may be on topic. Mentioned that a high reading at the ammeter indicates that the internal voltage regulator is failing. See post 29 on "Curious Question on Alternator.

06-28-2011, 12:26 PM	#6
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: High ammeter reading? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Is the ammeter getting hot to the touch? A loose or poor connection at the ammeter or the battery cables could be the problem.

06-29-2011, 08:07 AM	#8
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: High ammeter reading? FOLLOW - UP 18 amps from an alternator isn't that much.. If it doesn't start to cut back after a while then I'd get concerned.. If you don't want to wait for the alternator to do its job just charge the battery and see if that helps..