Could someonee tell me how to correctly wire the ammeter guage to a Ford type solenoid. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/redface.gif

Thanks,


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Rick
67ss bb
But dear, all it needs is a harmonic balancer.....
Rick's 67 (http://hometown.aol.com/rdpriebe)

The ammeter should be wired so it only shows what's happening with the current flow to the battery (charging or discharging). If it's wired in anywhere else it will always show a reading because of the car's normal electrical draw to run everything. Stick it in the main power wire that goes from the battery (or starter/solenoid) to the junction block (horn relay on Chevelles). This is also usually where the power lead from the alternator hooks up. This is so the alt can supply current to the car without affecting the ammeter. If your car didn't originally come with an ammeter, you'll have to run two wires inside the car capable of handling the alternator's full output (I'd use at least 10 gauge, bigger if it's a high output job), as this is the only charging path to the battery (unless it is a modern one that uses a "shunt"). This is one reason I personally don't like ammeters, also if the ammeter fails, the battey doesn't get charged and goes dead. I prefer a voltmeter, much simpler and safer.

A word of Caution & Warning! An Ammeter is usually limited to a max of 60 Amps and most alternator's (even just regular rebuilt ones) put out more than 60 Amps. This would fry the Ammeter and potentially cause problems. You are better off with a volt meter. I have an ammeter in my 64ss but it had to be disconnected because if this issue.

Check out the Tech Ref's as there is further discussion on guages which may be very helpful.
http://www.chevelles.com/techref/ftecref20.html

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Canadian ZZ4 Powered 64 Malibu SS!
Team Chevelle Gold Member #37
WebSite http://www.magma.ca/~ssoltesz/steves/1964.htm

[This message has been edited by Canuck64ss (edited 07-16-2000).]

Thanks, I guess I will go out and buy a voltmeter to replace the ammeter.

Rick