Dual Battery Issue

[Space Cowboy]

I have a dual batteries on my 1968 with a battery switch between them. This is the same type of switch that is used on a lot of marine boats where you can use battery 1, battery 2, or both, and off. The issue is when I switch the battery to #2... the amp guage jumps to +40 which is not normal. When on battery #1, the gauge needle hovers just above 0 on the positive side and when the engine is rev'd, you can see the needle move some. This is what I would think is suppose to happen on battery #2 as well. I know the switch wired correctly. Does anyone have any ideas or similar situations that happened to them and how you fixed it?

Thanks

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Sounds like your number 2 battery just needs a good charge and the alternator is going full tilt trying to bring it up.

Put a battery charger on it overnight and try again.

BTW, why do you need two batteries?

 

[Space Cowboy]

Wierd... I had it on a charger already. I try again and see what happens. The reason why I have 2 batteries is because if I'm at a show, I will run my stereo system (about 2000 watts) on the #2 battery, and I'm still guaranteed a fully charged battery to crank with. Call it a safety blanket