One more dumb alternator question

Rich'sToys · Feb 14, 2022

Which side of the ammeter does that large wire from the alternator hook to? I assume it's the minus (discharge) side, as that is where the wire from the regulator was hooked to. The various diagrams I have show it on both sides, but then the posts are not labeled on those pictures. I just assume they're showing the back side of the gauge, and some show it on the right, and others on the left.
I realize I can always reverse the wires if it doesn't read right, but I'd just as soon get it right the first time. This is on a Minneapolis Moline 445.
Thanks

wore out · Feb 14, 2022

The wire from the battery goes to one side and the charging wire and ALL electrical loads go to the other side.

If it reads backwards swap the leads between terminals.

That's the best advice I can give as I don't believe the terminal polarity is "standard" between all Ammeters, what may be correct for one may NOT work for another make/style.

Also, if you switched battery polarity along with the alternator swap the positions of the wires will swap.

old · Feb 14, 2022

If I remember right the alternator hooks to the left side as your looking at the face of the gauge and all other wires the right side

John T · Feb 14, 2022

The method I tell people is the SUPPLY side of an ammeter, usually just ONE wire, gets to the hot ungrounded battery post often via a wire
to where the big battery cable attaches to the INPUT side of a starer switch or solenoid.......The other LOAD side of the ammeter wires to
the charging system output (BAT terminal on a Voltage Regulator or Alternators big main output stud) PLUS feeds loads like lights and
ignition etc. If it reads bass ackwards, reverse the leads, EASY PEASEY

John T

300jk · Feb 14, 2022

Good to see you back.

Steve@Advance · Feb 14, 2022

If the wire from the regulator was originally on the minus side AND the battery
polarity stays the same, then that's the way it should stay.

But if you are switching the polarity, it needs to go to the other terminal.

Paul Janke · Feb 14, 2022

Hook it up in series with a load such as a headlight with jumper wires to a battery. When it is reading discharge then you have the battery and load hooked up correctly.

Pete in MD · Feb 14, 2022

Welcome back from your long vacation Rich. Did you have a good time?

One more dumb alternator question

Rich'sToys

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wore out

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old

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John T

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300jk

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Steve@Advance

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Paul Janke

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Pete in MD

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