'39 H amp meter

Anonymous-0 · Jan 4, 2009

My '39 H had a previous 12 volt conversion that was a mess. I installed a Delco alternator from an '89 chevy S10; used Bob's wiring diagrams.

I believe the battery is charging, but the amp meter is "pegged" to the right. I installed a Radio Shack 2.5 amp 1000V diode, bands toward alt. Before I added the diode, the meter was near zero, but was not charging. The alternator was checked at Auto Zone, tested good.

I'm a hacker, not a master electrician...please help!

Thanks!

p.s.: I tried to post a similar message yesterday... did not show up

rvirgil_KS · Jan 4, 2009

The diode provides an ititial "jump start" voltage to turn on the regulator and get the alternator to charging. That's why it showed no charge without it.

If it pegs the amp meter to the right it's charging.

What is the full scale capability of your amp meter?

Some of the older amp gauges were 20-0-20 meaning they could show a discharge or charge of up to 20 amps. Your 89 Chevy alternator when initially starting up and recharging the battery after the starter draw can easily put out more than 20 amps causing the meter to peg. It should come back down as the battery charges.

One "fix" although not "politically correct" would be to install a 60-0-60 gauge

Anonymous-0 · Jan 4, 2009

Thanks for the help!

Will it hurt anything to let the current amp meter "peg"?

'39 H amp meter

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

rvirgil_KS

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Similar threads