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Old 02-06-2014, 12:37 PM   #1
ped58
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Default 20 or 30 amp gauge?

My '29 model "A" came with a 30 amp alternator, should I change out the 20 amp gauge that's in the dash now with a 30 amp gauge?....thanks
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Old 02-06-2014, 12:44 PM   #2
jm29henry
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Default Re: 20 or 30 amp gauge?

I think it sound like a good idea .there is more restance in the 30 amp but put your finger on the one that is installed now if its not hot or to warm to the touch you should be fine i am an electrician so this is. Only my perspective. Hope this helps!!!!!
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Old 02-06-2014, 12:47 PM   #3
Charlie Stephens
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Default Re: 20 or 30 amp gauge?

Run a jumper wire across the back of the amp gauge. You may be able to do this at the junction box on the firewall depending upon your wiring. Use a wire heavy enough to carry the load in case the amp gauge fails. Now all you need to do is to remember that you gauge will read a little low.

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Old 02-06-2014, 03:54 PM   #4
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: 20 or 30 amp gauge?

Quote:
Originally Posted by jm29henry View Post
I think it sound like a good idea .there is more restance in the 30 amp but put your finger on the one that is installed now if its not hot or to warm to the touch you should be fine i am an electrician so this is. Only my perspective. Hope this helps!!!!!
The resistance in the buss bar is the same. The difference is in the do-dangle thingy thet hangs on the needle.
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Old 02-06-2014, 04:50 PM   #5
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: 20 or 30 amp gauge?

Its not likely or even possible that you would ever see a 30 amp charge with your 30 amp alternator. If it was mine and the present 20 amp ammeter fit the dash and worked, I wouldn't mess with it.
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Old 02-06-2014, 06:22 PM   #6
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: 20 or 30 amp gauge?

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Its not likely or even possible that you would ever see a 30 amp charge with your 30 amp alternator. If it was mine and the present 20 amp ammeter fit the dash and worked, I wouldn't mess with it.
Bro, Swoft,
Luv your common sense approach to stuff, like, "DON'T MESS WITH SUCCESS" or "IT HAS WORKED WELL FOR ME" or "WHY OVERCOMPLICATE SOMETHING SIMPLE or, like Chief would say, "THE EASIEST WAY IS THE BEST WAY, AS LONG AS IT DOES THE JOB PROPERLY" or, "JUST USE A QUALITY OIL & CHANGE THE DANGED STUFF WHIN IT GITS BLACK"!
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Old 02-06-2014, 07:35 PM   #7
ped58
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Default Re: 20 or 30 amp gauge?

Thanks for all the good info. I'll just keep it the way it is.
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Old 02-06-2014, 08:10 PM   #8
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: 20 or 30 amp gauge?

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Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON View Post
Bro, Swoft,
Luv your common sense approach to stuff, like, "DON'T MESS WITH SUCCESS" or "IT HAS WORKED WELL FOR ME" or "WHY OVERCOMPLICATE SOMETHING SIMPLE or, like Chief would say, "THE EASIEST WAY IS THE BEST WAY, AS LONG AS IT DOES THE JOB PROPERLY" or, "JUST USE A QUALITY OIL & CHANGE THE DANGED STUFF WHIN IT GITS BLACK"!
Bill W.

Thanks Bill !!!!!!! Yer brother Purdy
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Old 02-06-2014, 09:22 PM   #9
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: 20 or 30 amp gauge?

Yep, leave it alone.
Remember, the amp gauge doesn't measure the alternator output.
It measures the charge going into the battery or flowing from the battery.
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Old 02-06-2014, 10:27 PM   #10
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: 20 or 30 amp gauge?

I have 2 really old Snap-On induction ammeters that you just lay on a wire or the battery cable. They're a really handy device. Wonder if Harbor Freight has them?? Bill W.
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