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Old 04-09-2019, 02:00 PM   #1
rer_239
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Default 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
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Old 04-09-2019, 02:27 PM   #2
Charlie Stephens
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Default 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.

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Old 04-09-2019, 02:43 PM   #3
Tom Endy
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Default 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.


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Old 04-09-2019, 02:45 PM   #4
midgetracer
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Default Re: OMG its smoking!

I had that problem when the ammeter connections became loose.
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Old 04-09-2019, 04:24 PM   #5
SSsssteamer
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Default Re: OMG its smoking!

Quote:
Originally Posted by midgetracer View Post
I had that problem when the ammeter connections became loose.
Ditto. Keep all wire connections tight. Loose wire connections create heat when amperage is passed through them.
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Old 04-09-2019, 05:52 PM   #6
Ruth
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Default Re: OMG its smoking!

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens View Post
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
Haha, I'm pretty sure if the ammeter studs grounded out it wouldn't make much difference what you had for a generator.

Can we assume you don't have a fuse in your system?
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Old 04-09-2019, 08:24 PM   #7
Cool Hand Lurker
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Default 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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Old 04-09-2019, 09:45 PM   #8
daren007
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Default Re: OMG its smoking!

Loose Ampmeter nuts.
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Old 04-09-2019, 09:47 PM   #9
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Happened to me. The smell was something to write home about.
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Old 04-10-2019, 06:20 AM   #10
rer_239
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Default Re: OMG its smoking!

Have a generator and a fuse on the starter.
Thanks
Dick
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Old 04-10-2019, 09:57 AM   #11
Purdy Swoft
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Default 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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Old 04-11-2019, 08:58 AM   #12
rotorwrench
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Default 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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Old 04-15-2019, 06:40 PM   #13
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Default Re: OMG its smoking!

Thanks for all the help. Finally got it back together, work s fine
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