The Ford Barn

DANA BIZZELL · 07-27-2014, 01:58 PM

Could bad amp meter cause generator to max out put and smoke wires in light switch and terminal box.
Thanks

Tom Endy · 07-27-2014, 03:05 PM

It is possible that a burned out shunt or a loose wire on one of the ammeter terminals could be the cause of the generator running wild as it would then not be connected to the battery. However, I believe that it is unlikely that is the cause.

I would more suspect a poor ground on the battery. The connection where the battery ground cable bolts to the frame is the most overlooked electrical connection on a Model A. It is out of sight, out of mind, and difficult to get to.

Remove the floor board and the battery and unbolt the ground strap from the frame. With a small disk sander clean the raised boss on the frame where the cable attaches until it is shiny metal. Wire wheel the cable and the nut and bolt. You want to do this at least every ten years or whenever you replace the battery.

Tom Endy

mshmodela · 07-27-2014, 03:17 PM

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Did you happen to witness what the ammeter was reading when the damage happened?

07-27-2014, 01:58 PM	#1
DANA BIZZELL Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: FRANKSTON TX Posts: 117	Amp meter Could bad amp meter cause generator to max out put and smoke wires in light switch and terminal box. Thanks

07-27-2014, 03:05 PM	#2
Tom Endy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,131	Re: Amp meter It is possible that a burned out shunt or a loose wire on one of the ammeter terminals could be the cause of the generator running wild as it would then not be connected to the battery. However, I believe that it is unlikely that is the cause. I would more suspect a poor ground on the battery. The connection where the battery ground cable bolts to the frame is the most overlooked electrical connection on a Model A. It is out of sight, out of mind, and difficult to get to. Remove the floor board and the battery and unbolt the ground strap from the frame. With a small disk sander clean the raised boss on the frame where the cable attaches until it is shiny metal. Wire wheel the cable and the nut and bolt. You want to do this at least every ten years or whenever you replace the battery. Tom Endy

07-27-2014, 03:17 PM	#3
mshmodela Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,763	Re: Amp meter Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Did you happen to witness what the ammeter was reading when the damage happened? __________________ -Mike Late 31' Ford Model A Tudor, Miss Daisy I don't work on cars --I'm learning about my Model A. Cleveland, Ohio