Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Early V8 (1932-53)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-03-2020, 11:32 AM   #1
Will D
Senior Member
 
Will D's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 573
Default Ampmeter bouncing

Running a 3 brush generator with stock cutout. The ampmeter needle sits just above 0 when running but when I turn on the signal lights the needle bounces erratically. Any ideas as to the issue?
Will D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2020, 11:43 AM   #2
alanwoodieman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: upstate SC
Posts: 2,962
Default Re: Ampmeter bouncing

yeah the power used by the turn signals causes the changes in the amp gauge
alanwoodieman is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 07-03-2020, 01:25 PM   #3
FortyNiner
Senior Member
 
FortyNiner's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: u-rah-rah-Wisconsin
Posts: 1,130
Default Re: Ampmeter bouncing

Check the ground for the gauge.
__________________
19 and 49 F1 - jes' like Henry II built
1946 Deluxe - as Henry built it
FortyNiner is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2020, 01:26 PM   #4
1931 flamingo
Senior Member
 
1931 flamingo's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: new britain,ct 06052
Posts: 9,389
Default Re: Ampmeter bouncing

As Alan said, my Model A would do the same.
Paul in CT
1931 flamingo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2020, 01:45 PM   #5
Will D
Senior Member
 
Will D's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 573
Default Re: Ampmeter bouncing

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo View Post
As Alan said, my Model A would do the same.
Paul in CT
So no real issue, just is what it is?
Will D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2020, 01:48 PM   #6
Bob C
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 8,713
Default Re: Ampmeter bouncing

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Quote:
Originally Posted by FortyNiner View Post
Check the ground for the gauge.

There's no ground on an ammeter.
Bob C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2020, 02:28 PM   #7
36rgtop
Senior Member
 
36rgtop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: east coast
Posts: 113
Default Re: Ampmeter bouncing

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob C View Post
There's no ground on an ammeter.
That's right and as a matter of fact the stock induction gauge has no connections at all, just a wire thru a loop.
36rgtop is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2020, 02:47 PM   #8
Aarongriffey
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Hayward,CA
Posts: 513
Default Re: Ampmeter bouncing

If the amp meter doesn’t flick back and forth when you turn the directional lights on that would be a good indication they are not working.
Any electrical draw should make the amp needle move toward the discharge side of the ammeter.
When I sit at a stop with the motor at idle speed I can tell if my brake light is working if the ammeter needle wiggles when I pump the brakes. Gotta be that way.
When all accessories are turned off and at speed the needle stays to the discharge side...
Then it’s time to worry! Be glad you have an amp gage instead of an idiot light.
Aarongriffey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2020, 02:55 PM   #9
Will D
Senior Member
 
Will D's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 573
Default Re: Ampmeter bouncing

Yup makes sense, it's going up and down because the draw is pulsing with the light....boy do I look smart
Will D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2020, 08:17 AM   #10
terry
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 260
Default Re: Ampmeter bouncing

The same thing happens with my ammeter and this is normal. Aaron and the others described it quite well. Terry
terry is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:06 AM.