Second drive and more questions

[insomniacshotrods]

Sorry guys got another question. Took the model a out for the second drive, after fixing a leak from the petcock. Was able to shift great by instead of double clutching just jiggle the stick a couple times and it went right in next gear. Cool! Had lights on low went to high seemed kinda dim,put em back on low,and looked at amp gauge it was on 10 discharge. I kinda panicked and headed back to house so i wouldnt get stranded. Got back turned off the lights and revved engine and gauge showed 10-20 charge. Turned lights back on and it went to 0 ,is this normal? Im used to alternators not generators. I mean it did show a charge and it did start later on when i went to put it to bed. I just dont want to get stranded some place. Thanks so much.

[Patrick L.]

Does it show a charge at idle, no lights ? If so, how much ? Does it show a charge at fast idle and how much ? 10-20 doesn't tell us much, too much variation. When you turn the lights on, engine/key off, how much discharge ?
With the engine at fast idle with lights on and shows 0 charge, you're OK. With the engine at fast idle with lights off you don't want anymore than 12 amp charge. The charge should be adjustable by moving the third brush if its a stock system.

[700rpm]

If you have a repro ammeter, don't go by what you see there; they are notoriously inaccurate. Take a reading with a good ammeter, or have your local battery shop read it for you. 8-10 amps is good for summer, 10-12 for winter. What you describe is otherwise correct.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by insomniacshotrods

Im used to alternators not generators. I mean it did show a charge and it did start later on when i went to put it to bed. I just dont want to get stranded some place. Thanks so much.

Generators/Alternators are just voltage sources. How would you handle it if it were an alternator?

[insomniacshotrods]

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Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Generators/Alternators are just voltage sources. How would you handle it if it were an alternator?

Well i would freak out and head back home like i did ha. I looked at the 10 amp discharge and thought the generator was not charging. Maybe its because im used to a volt meter not amp meter,so it seemed wrong to me. All the alternators ive had would put out 13.5-14 volts and i knew they where charging. Anything below that i knew something was wrong. Maybe im worrying over nothing,but wanted to check with people whove been driving model a s more than twice like me.. Thanks again for info guys i appreciate all your wisdom.