The Ford Barn

flathead 53 · 08-24-2019, 05:36 PM

I just installed A one wire alternator on my 1965 mercury comet, amp gage stays in the center , I checked voltage 14.5, now turn on the head lights ,needle shows discharge ,check voltage still 14.5 , why is gage showing discharge?

51504bat · 08-24-2019, 06:31 PM

Amp gauge wired backwards?

JeffB2 · 08-24-2019, 08:02 PM

Alternators are not meant to be read using an amp gauge,it fact there are instances that it can cause a fire. You should replace the amp gauge with a volt meter. I strongly advise you read this article "A River runs through it" https://watsons-streetworks.com/a-current-topic/ After taking their advice and installing the relays my headlights are much brighter.

40cpe · 08-24-2019, 08:31 PM

Where did you connect the charge wire from the alternator? If you went to the battery or some non-stock location you could have by passed the amp gauge. The charge wire should go to the place that the power is distributed through the car. If you have a voltage regulator, the battery terminal on the reg should do it.

zoegrant · 09-02-2019, 02:02 PM

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JeffB2...thanks for the link to Watsons Streetworks...a very informative article. Worth printing out for future reference. .thanks again .

08-24-2019, 05:36 PM	#1
flathead 53 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: central nj Posts: 717	one wire alternator I just installed A one wire alternator on my 1965 mercury comet, amp gage stays in the center , I checked voltage 14.5, now turn on the head lights ,needle shows discharge ,check voltage still 14.5 , why is gage showing discharge?

08-24-2019, 06:31 PM	#2
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,015	Re: one wire alternator Amp gauge wired backwards? __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.

08-24-2019, 08:02 PM	#3
JeffB2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 1,417	Re: one wire alternator Alternators are not meant to be read using an amp gauge,it fact there are instances that it can cause a fire. You should replace the amp gauge with a volt meter. I strongly advise you read this article "A River runs through it" https://watsons-streetworks.com/a-current-topic/ After taking their advice and installing the relays my headlights are much brighter.

08-24-2019, 08:31 PM	#4
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: one wire alternator Where did you connect the charge wire from the alternator? If you went to the battery or some non-stock location you could have by passed the amp gauge. The charge wire should go to the place that the power is distributed through the car. If you have a voltage regulator, the battery terminal on the reg should do it.

09-02-2019, 02:02 PM	#5
zoegrant Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tolland CT Posts: 773	Re: one wire alternator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) JeffB2...thanks for the link to Watsons Streetworks...a very informative article. Worth printing out for future reference. .thanks again .