Hey guys I know how to add this to my dads work truck.But what I don't know is which way to do it.The directions show 3 different ways to add this.How do I determine which ste up is right.
It goes between the alt and batt,right?
Or the starter to batt?
Thanks guys!

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[This message has been edited by Kevin S (edited October 11, 2000).]

 

The ammeter should be between the battery and all the accessories (this includes the alternator output). Of course you will not do anything to the heavy gauge wire that connects the battery to the starter. If the accessories are connected to the battery through this large gauge wire, then break the connection where the wire(s) connect to the starter cable and wire the ammeter between these two points (battery (via the starter cable) and all accessories).

If you have a wire(s) molded into the positive terminal (along with the primary starter wire), you’ll have to cut that (those) wire(s) close to the terminal, and connect the ammeter between the battery teminal and the wire(s). Make sure that you don’t cut too far from the terminal since this wire(s) are normally fusible links.

The purpose of the ammeter is to indicate current flow, and most want to see it to and from the battery. In order to see everything at an equal level, everything (except for the starter heavy gauge wire) should be connected to the “accessory” side of the ammeter, unless you have something drawing current that would be more than the ammeter would be able to handle.

Of course, since the ammeter will be between the alternator and battery, and all the accessories are on the alternator side, when the battery if fully charged, the ammeter should read zero, indicating that the alternator is providing all the current needs. If something is connected to the battery side of the ammeter and draws current, the ammeter will then register on the positive side, which will make it more difficult to know where the current is going because the positive side also indicates current going to the battery for charging.

If you connected the ammeter between the output of the alternator and the battery, you would only see how many amperes the alternator is providing (the needle would only be on the “+” side).

[This message has been edited by Stuart Moss (edited October 11, 2000).]

 

You may want to consider installing a volt meter, instead of an ammeter, as it is much easier to connect to the electrical system(any ignition voltage source & ground), and indicates the status of the charging system, as well.

Tim

 

Thanks guys!

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[This message has been edited by Kevin S (edited October 13, 2000).]