Ammeter in Alternator conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rat72 · 10-21-2006, 12:26 AM

What does the ammeter do? And with a new Alternator conversion does it still do the same thing? The guage hasn't moved before or after the conversion.

Thanks,
Whit

nandress · 10-21-2006, 12:46 AM

An ammeter measures the current or amps (or the number of electrons) flowing through a circuit. In order to measure current, it must be in series with the supply and load (i.e., generator or battery and the fuse panel or light, etc.). They are different than an voltmeter, which measures the potential in Volts (the electromotive force) across a source or load (i.e., battery or light bulb, etc.) Basically, volts are the pushers on the electrons and amps are the number of electrons.

So to answer your question, the ammeter will basically tell you that a quantity of electricity is flowing in your circuits. If you change your alternator and do nothing else to the wiring, the ammeter will still do the same thing. And most of the time an ammeter is perfectly fine.

However, modern conventional wisdom states that a voltmeter is better because it will give you a better indication that your battery is being charged (and doesn't fluctuate as much with engine rpm and load usage--radios, headlights, etc.). The catch is that with a voltmeter, you have to wire it differently. If you keep your stock guages, and your ammeter is working ok, then don't worry, keep it as it is.

**clay68c10** · 10-21-2006, 10:49 AM

There are 2 inline fuses in your harness under the hood near the headlights on the right and left side. The fuses are the short glass type and pretty small amp rating. Usually one or both are blown and that kills the juice to the gauge.

Rat72 · 10-21-2006, 06:11 PM

Thanks, would the blown fuses cause my Alternator to not function?

**john** · 10-21-2006, 06:54 PM

No , the only function of thr 4 amp fuses is for the ammeter.

Rat72 · 10-21-2006, 07:22 PM

Found the driver side fuse and it's toast. I can't seem to find the passenger side fuse but there has been a bit of work previously done. Someone may have eliminated it.

I'm planning on going to a volt meter. Can I remove the whole circuit? Does it do anything else?

Thanks,
Whit

10-21-2006, 12:26 AM	#1
Rat72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Portland Posts: 135	Ammeter in Alternator conversion What does the ammeter do? And with a new Alternator conversion does it still do the same thing? The guage hasn't moved before or after the conversion. Thanks, Whit

10-21-2006, 12:46 AM	#2
nandress Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nevada Posts: 211	Re: Ammeter in Alternator conversion An ammeter measures the current or amps (or the number of electrons) flowing through a circuit. In order to measure current, it must be in series with the supply and load (i.e., generator or battery and the fuse panel or light, etc.). They are different than an voltmeter, which measures the potential in Volts (the electromotive force) across a source or load (i.e., battery or light bulb, etc.) Basically, volts are the pushers on the electrons and amps are the number of electrons. So to answer your question, the ammeter will basically tell you that a quantity of electricity is flowing in your circuits. If you change your alternator and do nothing else to the wiring, the ammeter will still do the same thing. And most of the time an ammeter is perfectly fine. However, modern conventional wisdom states that a voltmeter is better because it will give you a better indication that your battery is being charged (and doesn't fluctuate as much with engine rpm and load usage--radios, headlights, etc.). The catch is that with a voltmeter, you have to wire it differently. If you keep your stock guages, and your ammeter is working ok, then don't worry, keep it as it is.

10-21-2006, 10:49 AM	#3
clay68c10 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Centennial, CO Posts: 2,979	Re: Ammeter in Alternator conversion There are 2 inline fuses in your harness under the hood near the headlights on the right and left side. The fuses are the short glass type and pretty small amp rating. Usually one or both are blown and that kills the juice to the gauge. __________________ ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ

10-21-2006, 06:11 PM	#4
Rat72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Portland Posts: 135	Re: Ammeter in Alternator conversion Thanks, would the blown fuses cause my Alternator to not function?

10-21-2006, 06:54 PM	#5
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Re: Ammeter in Alternator conversion No , the only function of thr 4 amp fuses is for the ammeter. __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

10-21-2006, 07:22 PM	#6
Rat72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Portland Posts: 135	Re: Ammeter in Alternator conversion Found the driver side fuse and it's toast. I can't seem to find the passenger side fuse but there has been a bit of work previously done. Someone may have eliminated it. I'm planning on going to a volt meter. Can I remove the whole circuit? Does it do anything else? Thanks, Whit



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