amp gauge reading

BigTone · Jun 10, 2012

What should the amp gauge be reading on my M when it is charging the battery? I have a 12 volt generator/regulator and when I am in 3rd gear, 3/4 throttle, it only reads a 1 on the gauge...is it charging the battery at 1? I have not worked the tractor for a long period of time yet because its getting hot and the only work the battery is getting is from the barn to the house.

The Red · Jun 10, 2012

Pretty sure on my M it runs around 10 to 15 or so.

Bob M · Jun 10, 2012

If the battery partially discharged (like immediately after cranking) the ammeter will indicate 15 - 20 amps charge. As the battery becomes charged it will taper to 2 - 3 amps and stay there. This assumes the engine is running at full RPM - charge rates will be less at lower speeds.

Incidentally you may notice the ammeter hand "dancing" somewhat when the battery is full - this is completely normal.

The Red · Jun 10, 2012

Bob my Hs would do that. M never did because the battery got bad. Before it completely quit I was starting with the charger in starter mode. Need to get that one back running.

Bob M · Jun 10, 2012

Indeed John! Continued high amp charge during an extended run is usually an early sign of a failing battery.

But it could also be the voltage regulator set too high - which if not corrected will soon "cook" a good battery...

Anonymous-0 · Jun 10, 2012

That's normal operation. There's not much current draw without the lights on (none if you have a magneto). Check voltage across battery engine off 12 volts engine running 14 volts it's charging.

amp gauge reading

BigTone

Member

The Red

Well-known Member

Bob M

Well-known Member

The Red

Well-known Member

Bob M

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Similar threads