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12-11-2018, 10:56 AM | #1 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2
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Ammeter reading charge
1929 tudor with 30 amp alternator and 30 amp ammeter.
Meter reads zero when engine off, when key turned on it read about - 1 amp. When started the battery recovers in a few seconds and the meter reads +10 amp and never returns to zero. The battery never discharges, both battery and alternator have been replaced and there are no accessories in the vehicle that could pull that kind of current. Does anyone have an idea as to why this happened overnight for no apparent reason? |
12-11-2018, 11:08 AM | #2 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: West Newton PA
Posts: 49
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
You can check the actual current draw with an induction style amp meter. You could have a bad or loose connection somewhere in your electrical system. Start at the battery.
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12-11-2018, 11:14 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Alabama
Posts: 8,099
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
maybe the adjustable brush in the generator has moved and needs adjustment . pushing down on the third brush increases charge . Moving the brush upward decreases charge . If you aren't familiar with the three brush model A generator , look at some internal pictures of the brush setup to better understand how the third brush adjusts .
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12-11-2018, 11:19 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Alabama
Posts: 8,099
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
Some how I missed or forgot that you are running an alternator . Disregard my post regarding the third brush adjustment . the alternators don't have an adjustable brush but usually have an internal voltage regulator .
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12-11-2018, 11:26 AM | #5 | |
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Location: Red Deer, Alberta
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
Quote:
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12-11-2018, 11:39 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Sunrise Beach, Mo
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
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12-11-2018, 01:25 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Guthrie, OK
Posts: 1,144
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
When you switch on, the points will draw current if they are closed, which means, "usually". Check your points for pitting, just one amp seems a bit low.
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12-11-2018, 05:37 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
Points closed and key on, the coil should draw about 4 amps.
The alternator is putting out too much voltage due to a bad regulator, if it never drops back to close to zero, or you might have a bad battery with shorted plates. Try swapping batteries with another known good battery. |
12-11-2018, 06:28 PM | #9 |
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Location: Connecticut Shoreline
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
Still good advice for people running a generator.
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12-11-2018, 09:34 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Alabama
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
Thanks WHN !!!
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12-11-2018, 10:21 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Eagle Bend, MN
Posts: 2,025
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
Take battery voltage readings with a quality voltmeter. Check before you start and also on high idle. Get back to us with the readings and then we can help you with informed comments.
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03-13-2019, 04:33 PM | #12 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
Violtage about 7 (seven)
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03-13-2019, 07:04 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,789
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
I never got good readings with a digital voltmeter on a Model A Ford. It bounces all over the place.
Try an analog meter for accurate results. |
03-14-2019, 10:09 AM | #14 |
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Marana Arizona
Posts: 1,776
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Re: Ammeter reading charge
I have a 30 amp alternator and a 30-30 ammeter also. After start-up, give the engine a "rev" to excite alt into operation. Should briefly show a charge then settle near zero.
If its a new alternator I would do as suggested and check the battery connections first. If still not functioning as it should...Then pull the battery out and take it a local auto parts store for a free load test. Keep us posted, Chap |
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