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04-09-2019, 02:00 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: muskegon, mi
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OMG its smoking!
had an interesting ride yesterday. 1/2 mile out and back and all of a sudden the instrument panel started smoking. because of its proximity to the gas tank, it scared the &*^*&*& out of me. finally got the panel off and and found the connections on the ammeter were melting. just the connections the wires seemed to be ok. is is safe to assume to ammeter is alright, and it was just the connections? or could there be a deeper problem, like maybe the generator putting out to much?
thanks dick |
04-09-2019, 02:27 PM | #2 |
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Location: Southern California
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Re: OMG its smoking!
My guess would be that one or both of the studs (terminals) on the back of the ammeter shorted to the tank. What are you running for a generator, a 90 amp alternator, in which case that might be your problem.
Charlie Stephens |
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04-09-2019, 02:43 PM | #3 |
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Re: OMG its smoking!
Your ammeter should be alright if the battery side terminal was the one that shorted and no excessive current passed through the meter.
Many Model A ammeter installations have incorrect nuts on the terminals, which can easily short to ground. Bratton's carry the correct nut that should be used. Part number 15690, 85 cents. When installing them it is important to get them tight. Using a small pair of channel locks give them a little more than hand tightening. Disconnect the battery first. Tom Endy |
04-09-2019, 02:45 PM | #4 |
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Re: OMG its smoking!
I had that problem when the ammeter connections became loose.
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04-09-2019, 04:24 PM | #5 |
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Re: OMG its smoking!
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04-09-2019, 05:52 PM | #6 | |
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Re: OMG its smoking!
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Quote:
Can we assume you don't have a fuse in your system? |
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04-09-2019, 08:24 PM | #7 |
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Location: So Minn
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Re: OMG its smoking!
Any electrical connections will heat up quickly if they are not tight. Ammeter terminals are common, household outlets or bulbs with loose connections heat up and can start house fires.
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04-09-2019, 09:45 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Saint Cloud Mn
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Re: OMG its smoking!
Loose Ampmeter nuts.
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04-09-2019, 09:47 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Saint Cloud Mn
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Re: OMG its smoking!
Happened to me. The smell was something to write home about.
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04-10-2019, 06:20 AM | #10 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: muskegon, mi
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Re: OMG its smoking!
Have a generator and a fuse on the starter.
Thanks Dick |
04-10-2019, 09:57 AM | #11 |
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Location: Alabama
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Re: OMG its smoking!
Usually when the ammeter starts smoking and you smell smoke , the ammeter is usually toast . The smoke is caused from the insulation at the ammeter terminals as it melts and sometimes burns out completely .
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04-11-2019, 08:58 AM | #12 |
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
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Re: OMG its smoking!
Any terminals with loose connections are a fire waiting to happen. Resistance turns to heat in an electrical system. I've seen the modern terminal boxes fried too. The only good ammeters were the originals that had sensitive movements. I haven't seen a good reproduction Model A ammeter yet. It's too bad they can't manufacture something that was relatively simple even in its time.
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04-15-2019, 06:40 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: muskegon, mi
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Re: OMG its smoking!
Thanks for all the help. Finally got it back together, work s fine
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