|
12-05-2008
|
#1 (permalink) |
|
Trouble Maker
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Snellville, Ga
Posts: 1,970
Real Name: Tony Holcomb
 Provided Answers: 2
|
Unanswered: What does your AMP Meter normally read?
Mine normally sits half way between 0 and the first bar, what would probubly be called 5 if I thought that the gauge was reliable. I still have a 35 AMP alt.
__________________
Needs a 2dr Ascona, everyone else has one. |
|
   
|
|
12-05-2008
|
#2 (permalink) |
|
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Concord, North Carolina
Posts: 1,118
Real Name: Roy Bell
|
As long as it is just a "Hair" to the positive side, your system is charging. If you see it in the negative range while the engine is running, you've got a problem....
__________________
Roy Bell 1973 Opel GT 74 Manta Rallye Concord, North Carolina Carolina Opel Club OMC Last edited by tekenaar; 03-17-2009 at 05:32 PM. Reason: you got? |
|
|
|
|
12-05-2008
|
#3 (permalink) |
|
Restoration Dude
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 1,069
Real Name: Juan Blanco PhD.
Provided Answers: 10
|
The gauge will never be at zero since there is about 4-6 amps being consumed when the engine is on. Simple way to check would be to turn everything off and start the engine. Once the battery recovers from start up, you will see a reading of just a few amps. Turn the lights on and should jump about 3/4 of the way to the charging side.
__________________
JB Restore, Customize and Conquer!!! '73 Opel GT Convertible "Stealth" '70 Opel GT - 4 speed "Lucy" '72 Opel GT - 4.0L V6 automatic "Animal" '72 Opel Ascona 1900 "Junk Yard Dog" '71 Opel Manta Automatic "Coco" '72 Pontiac Ventura II SD455 "Monster" '07 GMC Sierra 1500 - Daily driver |
|
|
|
|
12-05-2008
|
#4 (permalink) |
|
6,000 Post Club
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Imperial Beach, CA South of San Diego
Posts: 6,054
Provided Answers: 6
|
The ammeter shows just how many amps are being delivered by the alternator to your electrical system, including the battery. Both Roy and JB have it correct. As long as the engine is running, there will be a draw on the alternator, and as you turn on more electrical accessories, the ammeter will indicate a positive flow from the alternator at operating speeds. If you have everything on at idle, the alternator may go to the negative side, but with an increase in RPM it should move to the positive side of the gauge. That is normal, and once the battery has been recovered after starting, the needle will be just above the center of the gauge on the positive side. HTH.
__________________
Ron 72 GT 3.4L V-6/T-5/ZF posi - almost done - Just need AC installed.  75 Chevy monza 5.7L/TH350/Auburn 3.08 posi - Next |
|
|
|
|
12-06-2008
|
#5 (permalink) |
|
Opeler
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Michigan
Posts: 137
Provided Answers: 2
|
If your Opel GT electrical system is wired the same as from the factory which would be same as the wiring diagrams in the Opel GT service manual your ampere meter only reads amperes to and from the battery. If the ampere meter is negative it means your electrical system is pulling amperes from the battery and if the ampere meter is positive you are charging the battery. Simple as that.
Last edited by Ooooner; 12-06-2008 at 02:40 PM. Reason: Spelling |
|
|
|
|
03-17-2009
|
#6 (permalink) |
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 220
|
My ammeter just started reading negative for about 45 seconds to 1 minute after starting, then it jumps to normal, about 1/2 a bar to the positive side. This is on a 73 GT, with a fairly new alternator and regulator. Just started this, and does it each time it is started. Any thoughts?
|
|
|
|
|
03-17-2009
|
#7 (permalink) | |
|
Opeler
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 508
Provided Answers: 1
|
2) Check alternator belt for tightness, but not so tight that there is no deflection on belt when you push on it (engine not running). |
|
|
|
|
 |
| Bookmarks |
| Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
| Thread Tools | |
| Display Modes | |
|
|
STEALTH
Linear Mode
