Bill ward
Member
Tryed the bypass alt.output direct to batt. To reduce load on amp meter. Question, while running amp meter showed discharge did I do something wrong.?
By pass amp meter
- Thread starter Bill ward
- Start date
C Body Bob
Old Man with a Hat
I’ve always just connected the two wires from the back of the amp gauge together with solderless connectors & heat shrink tubing. Then install a volt gauge. I prefer a digital over analog. You can install it were the amp gauge is. You can wire it to keyed on at the fuse block. But I’m a hot rodder...the purist will cringe
Last edited:
When bypassing the ammeter, it will not read correctly since the bypass has taken 50% of the load away from it.
You did nothing wrong.
As already suggested, install an aftermarket voltmeter if you prefer to monitor the charging system.
Hope this helps
Bill ward
Member
Thank you guys for your reply it's reassuring to read your email.
I did the bypass and discovered the very same thing....ammeter showing some discharge. I already had a voltmeter showing good charging voltage, so it didn't concern me and I immediately realized the cause was the bypass mod. Once you get used to the needle's location, it's the "new normal".
Bill ward
Member
Thanks for responding its assuring to know that's normal.
Gerald Morris
Senior Member
Best to just completely disconnect the thing and rid yourself of it. Those ammeters are a dangerous artifact and embarrassment to otherwise superbly engineered cars.
Bill ward
Member
That's on my schedule for tomorrow, thank you for responding.
Bill ward
Member
Car ****!
Thanks for posting pics!
Thanks for posting pics!
Bill ward
Member
You're welcome
Gerald Morris
Senior Member
ENVIABLE! Ah well, most folk on this Forum have nicer rides than Mathilda. I drove her home for a net outlay of $1250 5 yrs ago, after the young man who sold her to me reassembled her as best he could from his deceased father's garage. I got her that cheap because I promised the lad (aged ~ 30) that I WOULD respect his dad's car, and with God's help, I've been true to that promise. Now, IFF the Infernal Rectum Screwers will EVER RETURN OUR TAX MONEY AS THEY OUGHT for a couple years worth, I THEN might be able to pretty old Tilly up, and transplant a rebuilt 400 into her too.
You have a nice damned ride all the same bro! Welcome!
To be precise, disconnect the ammeter but RECONNECT that circuit. I did not do this, as I'm okay with the ammeter. I believe the reduced current through it--due to the Bypass Mod--will let it live another 50 years.
Oh....I also put in a relay for the AC clutch, taking power for the clutch off of the alternator stud. This further reduces the current thru the ammeter (and the AC switch!) by about 5+ amps.
Here's the relay, mounted at the dryer and all-but invisible to "hood open" showings.
From the top, this is all you see.
Last edited:
Bill ward
Member
Thank you for your response I don't have a air conditioner except when I put the top down. But I think you just the same.
The Goose
Senior Member
We were talking about this mod a while back and these came up. The group generally approves and say they work. I still haven’t bought mine yet but i will sooner or later.
Cheap and easy way to watch the charging system.
Bill ward
Member
Excellent idea.
Gerald Morris
Senior Member
MY KIND of AC!!! I have to settle for "2-80" AC w my 2 door hardtop alas, but hey!:cutting torches can do wonders if things go wrong in other ways...
Gerald Morris
Senior Member
Depends on if you want to read the voltage from that circuit. Generally a decent reading of whether your alternator is functioning. My meter off the fuse box is no better, reading the same basic bus. One COULD run some #18 AWG right off the charge stud to a meter if one wanted a slightly better reading I reckon, but I don't think its worth it.
Bill ward
Member
I ran a direct wire from output post of alt to volt meter. Also did bypass over to starter relay. All is good.
Similar threads
