Amp Meter

[Donw]

Help I was wondering if anyone can help me/ I have a 1969 corvette convertible 350/300. When idling the amp meter stays around 0, when I step on the gas it goes to a -40. Any ideas why.

It use do do it every once in a while. Now is is all the time.


Thanks

DonW

 

[waterboy1976]

Sounds like its wired backwards...I had a 69 that would jump to the mid 30 (on the + side though) off idle........Has someone played with the gauges lately? Good luck....

 

[Donw]

Waterboy,

I checked the connection to the amp gauge and it only goes on one way. Is the anything else that couldbe wrong somewhere else on the connections?

Thanks

donw

 

[JohnZ]

See my response to your identical post on the other forum.

 

[Mr. Chuck]

Help I was wondering if anyone can help me/ I have a 1969 corvette convertible 350/300. When idling the amp meter stays around 0, when I step on the gas it goes to a -40. Any ideas why.

It use do do it every once in a while. Now is is all the time.


Thanks

DonW

Amp meters readings either + or - depending on the direction of current flow. Negative if current flow from the battery or poitive if current flows from the generator / alternator to loads. I would check all connections related to the amp meter circuit for good condition as well as proper hook-up. The problem could also be inside the meter. Amp meter readings are actually based on the volltage drop across a shunt (a bus bar with as very accurate resistance) contained within the meter housing. A loose connection within the meter could have been the source of you prior intermittent reading problems and has now come completely disconnected.
A instrument shop could test your meter, often there is one near airports that do this kind of testing, they may even be able to repair it or Places like Mid-America Motorworks have one (mamotorworks.com) for your 69.
Good Luck!