Do I need to connect an amp meter off the alternator to make it work?

[ampa]

I will post a pic of my 3 mini guages I installed 2 years ago,the Temp/Oil work okay the Amp guage only moves when a load is put on it,I think I must have it connected to the voltage side maybe,the guages I have only come with an Amp meter only,I know I was told to get a volt meter,I'll provide a pic of these guages,maybe someone could provide a diagram on how to connect this to the amp section,I know it works and I left the idiot light connected so I know the system is charging, just ain't hooked up correctly to show on the meter.....Thanks in advance....Ampa

 

[ampa]

Oops forgot the pic, Amp meter is on the right side hidden by the steering wheel............

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Typ an amp meter is connected to the battery to show current flow in/out of the battery. It doesn't show the current flow coming from the alt/gen.

There are several ways to connect an amp meter but basically, all current flow other than that going to the starter must flow through the meter.

 

[ampa]

I'm guessin' your meaning to leave it as it is,or install a volt meter which would show the alternator is charging volt wise,like I mentioned I left the one ignition idiot light that lights up when I turn the key and goes out when the engine starts which tells me it's charginging , these meters came in a set of 3 and as you can see I had very little space to install the normal size gauges,and I did inquire where I bought these about getting a volt meter instead of the amp meter,but was told thats the way they're sold,I think I can live with it.......Thanks for your reply......take care....Ampa

 

[Travelover]

If the ammeter has a large full scale +/- 60 amps or more, it may be hard to see the small normal charging rate of a lawn tractor, which is probably less than 10 amps. Usually the ammeters that come installed on lawn equipment have a full scale of only 15 amps or maybe 30 amps maximum. Try turning on the headlamps with the engine off and see if you can see the discharge rate displayed on the ammeter.

 

[ampa]

I have an ISEKI 4x4 3 cyl. diesel with a 40 amp alternator, sold my little tractor last April,yes this amp meter has the mentioned 60+ read out,I checked out the charging rate with an external meter and got a reading of 14 volts plus,.touch wood I've never had any problems with the charging system,I just decieded to get rid of the 3 idiot lights, for which only the amp light worked the oil and temp did not,I have oil pressure way over 60 psi cold and hangs around 50 psi or better after complete warm up and the Temp runs normal summer and winter,I'm quite happy with these gauges,I wish I could get some feed back on my snow plough issue,I got to get this tractor ready for the snow that's coming,and I don't need another sore neck(from turning around) this coming winter using that darn rear 3 pt. graderblade,thanks.... much appreciate the info....Ampa

 

[ampa]

Thanks K7LN for the diagram,easy to understand,would 14 gauge wire be okay to use on connecting the amp meter?,anyhow soon as I get this cast off my broken foot I'll be able to work on my tractor,need to take the dash off to get to the meter,not an easy job,well worth the effort and piece of mind knowing the charging system is up and workin' at a glance........ once again,much appreciated, take care....Ampa :thumbsup:

 

[ampa]

I always solder and heatshrink all my electrical connections whether it be DC or AC,I really don't trust the old crimpling and black tape method,I've never had a connection fail me since I've adapted to this technic,I use my heat gun to remove the plastic insulation on all my connectors then slip the correct size heat shrink tubing over the wire, crimp on the correct size connector, solder then line up the shrink tubing over the soldered connector then shrink the tubing with the gun....finished product is neat and tidy plus completly waterproof...... heatshrink tubing can be costly if bought in small lots, mostly anything these days can be bought in bulk lots to save you a few extra $$$........Ampa :thumbsup: