Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Ammeter/voltmeter connection

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 27, 2020 | 09:34 PM
  #1  
ynot321AB1's Avatar
ynot321AB1
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 353
Likes: 6
From: Arkansas
Ammeter/voltmeter connection

Attached are 3 pics of the ammeter and how I have it connected. I am wanting to make sure that I have it hooked up correctly because when I run the engine I get nothing out of the meter. Photo 1 is the single connection to the alternator, #2 is showing the connection to the voltage regulator, then I go to the meter itself and then out of it to pic #3 showing connection to the starter silonoid, (not spelled right,LOL).
Any assistance would be appreciated.

Single connection alternator


 
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2020 | 10:50 PM
  #2  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,298
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
What happens if you turn on the headlights or other significant electrical load? Does the ammeter stay near -0-?

Are those 10 ga wires? They look small. Your hookup looks OK but did you run from the ammeter loop to the circuit breakers? I assume so since the engine is getting ignition.

Have you tried rev'ing the engine to say 1500 RPM? Did the alternator kick on if you did?
 
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2020 | 09:40 AM
  #3  
ynot321AB1's Avatar
ynot321AB1
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 353
Likes: 6
From: Arkansas
Don,t have the headlights hooked up yet as fenders are still on the ground, Do not have a tach but have revved the motor without result and am using 12 ga wire.
 
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2020 | 10:30 AM
  #4  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,298
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Are you sure the alternator is a true 1-wire type, and not just an internally regulated 10Si GM alternator? Where did you get it?
 
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2020 | 10:56 AM
  #5  
ynot321AB1's Avatar
ynot321AB1
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 353
Likes: 6
From: Arkansas
I got it new outa the box from a man that repairs starters, generators and alternators
 
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2020 | 11:09 AM
  #6  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,298
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
I would ask him if it needs an exciter wire circuit.
 
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2020 | 11:58 AM
  #7  
ynot321AB1's Avatar
ynot321AB1
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 353
Likes: 6
From: Arkansas
OK will check with him on Monday, thanks for the info
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2020 | 07:08 AM
  #8  
TomCT55's Avatar
TomCT55
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 142
Likes: 4
From: Portland, CT
I also installed a true one wire alternator during my re-wiring with an EZ wire kit. You should not need a voltage regulator in your set-up, as the alternator is internally regulated. One thing I did notice is that you have not grounded your alternator. That's the purpose of the other large bolt on the back of the alternator. That could be your problem.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 30, 2020 | 07:53 AM
  #9  
hooler1's Avatar
hooler1
Fleet Mechanic
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 467
From: Mason City, Iowa
I like ammeters but recently removed an aftermarket one installed by the previous owner. It was wired up with only 12 gauge not even automotive wiring. Just me, but I decided I did not want 60+ amperes of possible fault current passing through the cab with me in it. So I replaced it with a voltmeter. I feel it tells me more about what's going on with the charging system and it's much simpler to connect and its only hot when the ignition switch is on. Again that's just me.
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2020 | 11:42 AM
  #10  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,298
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Good point about the alternator ground. For that matter, how is the engine grounded?

I assume this is just temporary wiring that is to get the truck running. #12 is "OK" for a 60-amp alternator, but #10 would be better. OP hasn't said what the alternator is rated for tho, some 10Si's are rated near 100 amps. Some kind of fault protection for the main wires would be appropriate (fusible link). The stock 48-52 ammeters are not a risk at all, there is no current flowing thru them and the induction loop is insulated.

This battery connection looks sketchy, appears to have been crimped in a vise and and half the strands are broken?

 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2020 | 11:55 AM
  #11  
ynot321AB1's Avatar
ynot321AB1
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 353
Likes: 6
From: Arkansas
Thank you very much, I wondered if I needed a ground. Will run a ground wire from the alternator and see if that is the problem.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
e450idunno
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
5
Dec 4, 2019 12:11 PM
Hobby welder
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Feb 6, 2018 12:28 AM
Nicmike
Excursion - King of SUVs
88
Nov 24, 2016 10:14 AM
MeWoahIts
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Sep 9, 2012 07:00 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:24 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE