Proper wiring of amp meter

[bo dawg 516]

I've been learning a lot lately on wiring up these tractors (never been my best subject). I went by a C series 1978-79 wiring diagram for my 82 SK486. It was a bit hacked up but for the most part was wired pretty much to the diagram I found.

My question is what is the best way to run the wire for the amp meter?

I have the battery cable running to the solenoid then from that same solenoid post a wire going to the amp gauge, then from there to the ign switch post ( B ) battery.

The B+ wire runs from the Rectifier to the ® post of ign switch.

I had replaced a car amp gauge that was installed by PO with a normal WH supplied gauge. The other didn't read anything.

But now the amp gauge needle reads but never runs in the positive side of gauge. If anything leans toward the negative side. Then when I turn lights on it really go's negative. I haven't checked with volt meter yet if it is charging correctly. Want to make sure I'm using correct wiring first.

I also found a C-series 1982-83 diagram that shows feed from the amp gauge to the B+ post of rectifier then from there to the ign switch post ( B ).

So which is the correct way to go?

[Save Old Iron 1,568]

Appears you have everything hooked up correctly as in the diagram below ( if the ammeter + wire is hooked to the battery post or to the solenoid post with the battery wire, it is still electrically the same connection).

(click on the image to enlarge)

Sounds like you have a charging issue. Check the voltage at the B+ terminal of the regulator with the tractor running at least 3/4 throttle. You should be able to measure in the range of 13.5 to 14.5 volts at the terminal. The ammeter will only swing positive when the voltage at the B+ terminal is higher than the battery voltage. The ammeter swinging negative when the headlights are turned on confirms you have the polarity of the ammeter wiring correct.

[Larry Chamberlain 22]

What ot you have a toggle and push button how do you hook it up then 

[lynnmor 7,445]

3 hours ago, Larry Chamberlain said:

What ot you have a toggle and push button how do you hook it up then 

Since the electrical system has been knackered, why not eliminate the useless ammeter and install a voltmeter between the toggle switch and ground?

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,158]

12 hours ago, Larry Chamberlain said:

What it you have a toggle and push button how do you hook it up then 

 

Battery to toggle switch to ignition coil (+)

Battery to push button to small terminal on solenoid

 

To remove the ammeter join the 2 wires and insulate the connection. If you don't have a fuse wire a heavy duty (30 amp) fuse holder in between the 2 wires but use a 15 or 20 amp fuse in it.

 

To add a voltmeter power it with the wire going from the toggle switch to the coil (+) and voltmeter (-) is grounded.

 

Then power the toggle switch and push button from the fuse protected side of the fuse holder as a battery power source.

 

Does that answer your question?

[953 nut 56,390]

13 hours ago, Larry Chamberlain said:

What ot you have a toggle and push button how do you hook it up then 

Rather than hitch hiking on a thirteen year old thread you would be better off starting your own post.

[Racinbob 11,383]

1 hour ago, 953 nut said:

Rather than hitch hiking on a thirteen year old thread you would be better off starting your own post.

 

 I liked the simplicity of the diagram and until you mentioned it I didn't see that it was an old SOI post. He hasn't been around in years. 

[kpinnc 12,910]

3 hours ago, 953 nut said:

Rather than hitch hiking on a thirteen year old thread you would be better off starting your own post.

 

While I agree completely, my hat is off to anyone who uses the search feature. I'm guilty myself for not using it each time of course. 

 

@Larry Chamberlain- you can always link the old thread in whatever new one you create if you want to keep the reference tied to your post. 

Edited January 20 by kpinnc

[Larry Chamberlain 22]

Ok gotchya i figured this would have been the easiest way but will do different in the future 

[953 nut 56,390]

5 hours ago, Larry Chamberlain said:

Ok gotchya i figured this would have been the easiest way but will do different in the future 

The reason a new post is desirable is that it will show up on the HOME PAGE topics listing and will result in more eyes seeing it. Tagging onto an old post is easy to miss.