64' amp gauge
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
64' amp gauge
I just bought a new speedo cluster for my 64 F-100. It has an old style ammeter in it. The back of the gauge has a metal loop you put a 8-10 gauge wire through. You don't actually attach a wire to it. How does this type of gauge work? Is it picking up the flow path of votage through the sheilding of the wire? Also what is the correct size wire for this type gauge. I am assuming it is a 8-10 gauge wire just from eye balling it. Any help or ideas?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 3
From: Comox Valley, Canada
64' amp gauge
It works by sensing the magnetic field created around the wire by the current flow. The stronger the field the more current you are drawing. I didnt know this was offered on vehicles. Learn something new every day 
The drawback is you have to run the power wire from the alternator, or start relay terminal whatever wire feeds the fuse box, thru this pickup. No real problem just more wire. At least if this type of ammeter dies you dont lose power to the truck.
Can you remove the pickup and place it around the power wire that runs to the fuse box, then remotely connect it to the dash ammeter with smaller wires? Or is it an integral part of the ammeter?
Sparky
The drawback is you have to run the power wire from the alternator, or start relay terminal whatever wire feeds the fuse box, thru this pickup. No real problem just more wire. At least if this type of ammeter dies you dont lose power to the truck.
Can you remove the pickup and place it around the power wire that runs to the fuse box, then remotely connect it to the dash ammeter with smaller wires? Or is it an integral part of the ammeter?
Sparky
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
64' amp gauge
When I took the cluster apart the loop is soldered to the gauge. I was thinking I would just need to run a wire through it for the fuse block. But The fuse block wire is tiny. 18 gauge in fact. That is main reason I am motivated enough to rewire the whole truck. Relays and all. I just want to know that I am not going to end up sitting on the side of the road with a smokin dash. OK enough about that. I was racking my brain tring to figure out how this gauge worked. Thanks Sparky. You know it just occured to me to go get the head light switch nad fuse block from the donor truck. That way I would have a good switch and fuse block to rewire my truck with.
