Alternator/Ammeter wiring????

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Mar 7, 2004 | 10:45 PM

OldBlue'72

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From: NW Florida

Alternator/Ammeter wiring????

'72 Ford F-100 360 at. I want to install an aftermarket ammeter in my truck. Whats the correct way to wire it? Between the alt and battery

If it matters I'm using a regulator for a '79 (4-terminals, non-adjustable electronic type). TIA!!

Mar 8, 2004 | 07:59 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Be very careful how you run these wires, and make sure you run at least 10 guage wire. There is no fuse on this wire, and it comes directly from the battery.

Mar 9, 2004 | 06:35 PM

OldBlue'72

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From: NW Florida

Thanks!!

Mar 10, 2004 | 03:57 AM

bigric

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From: Round Rock, TX

I picked up a cluster with the ammeter for my '68, but after reading around here, it seems that adding an ammeter is pretty ill-advised because of the fire potential. Try not to burn down a classic.

Mar 10, 2004 | 01:14 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Quote:

Originally posted by bigric
I picked up a cluster with the ammeter for my '68, but after reading around here, it seems that adding an ammeter is pretty ill-advised because of the fire potential. Try not to burn down a classic.

If you install the original ammeter setup, it's pretty safe. The factory ammeter is really just a very sensitive voltmeter. Out in the same area as the diagram above, the factory puts what they call a "shunt" in series in the wiring. What this actually is, is a very very small resistance. So when current flows, there is a small voltage generated. The factory puts 2 wires(one on each side) on the shunt, and runs this very small voltage signal to their factory "ammeter" in the dash.

The whole problem with the factory guage set-up, is they don't give much of a reading, really not giving much useful info.

The aftermarket style in the above diagram works well if you are careful with the wiring as you stated.

Mar 11, 2004 | 09:55 PM

JMR

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From: DOG BOX

Here's a link for a NOS harness if interested. If the link doesn't work lemme know and I'll send it via e-mail.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMESSE%3AIT