Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: JL2]
#2013363
02/16/16 07:58 PM
02/16/16 07:58 PM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,848 Memphis
HemiRick
master
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master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,848
Memphis
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the stock ammeter is only made for 40/60 amps so sending 90 amps of charge thru will melt it and peg it out. Bypass the ammeter and install a volt meter.
Take care, Rick 68 Coronet R/T 440 & 68 Charger 528 Hemi,and 5 Challengers! 6 cyl, 318, 360, 383, 451
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Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: JL2]
#2013389
02/16/16 08:29 PM
02/16/16 08:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,994 Rio Linda, CA
John_Kunkel
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,994
Rio Linda, CA
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It seems that with these two new parts there were multiple directions on installation. With new compatible parts there is only one correct way to install them. Details? Just because the alternator is rated at 90 amps doesn't mean it's putting out that much all the time.
The INTERNET, the MISinformation superhighway
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Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: JL2]
#2013414
02/16/16 09:04 PM
02/16/16 09:04 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,264 New York, USA
Chargerfan68
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,264
New York, USA
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I am working on the very same problem on a 73 charger that I also installed a Powermaster alt and new voltage regulator (mopar) . This is the dual field alt and regulator with the triangular plug. I have the same exact situation with my setup. I bypassed the ammeter gauge and ran a 6 gauge wire from the alt directly to batt pos. and just hooked up a volt gauge inside. I confirmed the readings with a digital volt meter at the pos batt term as well as the alt. output stud and get the fluctuation . I also notice that when it fluctuates, the alt. makes a sound also (maybe corresponding to the higher charging rate).
I just tried a 2nd new volt regulator and same thing. I have a few other things to look at, but i am running out of ideas also. I don't think it is the alternator .
1.50 60Ft. , 10.75@ 127MPH Hauling 3900 LBS.
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Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: Chargerfan68]
#2013425
02/16/16 09:22 PM
02/16/16 09:22 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,041 Lincoln Nebraska
RapidRobert
Circle Track
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Circle Track
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,041
Lincoln Nebraska
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I believe it IS the alt. Electronic regs either work fine or go open (which'd show a constant discharge) or full field & allow the alt to max charge (& when they act up (not often) they stay that way). I'd visual on the brushes/brush holders for anything loose & something/somewhere is intermittently grounding (full fielding) the field circuit. it is possible that with the part time open it shows a discharge then when the open makes contact again the ammeter shows a high charge or a maxed out charge (pegged) as it is trying to catch back up (depends on how long it is open & the loads at the time. Dig in & holler with any news
live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
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Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: JL2]
#2013451
02/16/16 09:45 PM
02/16/16 09:45 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,994 Rio Linda, CA
John_Kunkel
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,994
Rio Linda, CA
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Grounding one field terminal is only if you're using the pre-'70 regulator, the regulator P/N in your OP is the '70 and later and it's wired like the diagram below.
The INTERNET, the MISinformation superhighway
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Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: JL2]
#2013826
02/17/16 11:40 AM
02/17/16 11:40 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,402 Marion, South Carolina [><]
an8sec70cuda
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,402
Marion, South Carolina [><]
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FWIW...the factory ammeter in my cuda shorted out and burnt the dash and engine wiring harness. When it happened, the ammeter was bouncing back and forth like you described. This was with a factory 60 amp alternator. I'd get rid of it and install a voltmeter.
CHIP '70 hemicuda, 575" Hemi, 727, Dana 60 '69 road runner, 440-6, 18 spline 4 speed, Dana 60 '71 Demon, 340, low gear 904, 8.75 '73 Chrysler New Yorker, 440, 727, 8.75 '90 Chevy 454SS Silverado, 476" BBC, TH400, 14 bolt '06 GMC 2500HD LBZ Duramax
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Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: HemiRick]
#2013942
02/17/16 02:43 PM
02/17/16 02:43 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 19,318 State of confusion
Thumperdart
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 19,318
State of confusion
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the stock ammeter is only made for 40/60 amps so sending 90 amps of charge thru will melt it and peg it out. Bypass the ammeter and install a volt meter. THIS...........Did it years ago and also ran separate alt wires bypassing the stock bulkhead and goes to 14.5-14.7 the second it starts......
72 Dart 470 n/a BB stroker street car `THUMPER`...Check me out on FB Dominic Thumper for videos and lots of carb pics......760-900-3895.....
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Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: JL2]
#2014146
02/17/16 07:57 PM
02/17/16 07:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 360 Ohio
shorthorse
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 360
Ohio
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I just installed a new Powermaster 90 amp alternator on my car along with a new VR part # BWD R296. It seems that with these two new parts there were multiple directions on installation. One way I would not get a reading from the alt showing a charge and nothing on ammeter in car. Another hooked up way, the ammeter would jump from the middle of ammeter to pegged on C with interior lights flickering etc. Hooked up the other way my ammeter would still flicker but when revving it up, the needle would straight out peg on C. I'm clueless on whats going on or even what to check. But previously before the new stuff, my ammeter would sometime hold right above the middle bar and then would just peg out, then would get normal again. Give Powermaster a call. I've worked with them before and got the best customer service anywhere. The first thing I noticed is they didn't start by telling me it was my fault. They worked with me and even contacted me later to check on my progress. I hope it works the same for you.
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Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: shorthorse]
#2014165
02/17/16 08:13 PM
02/17/16 08:13 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,421 Balt. Md
383man
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,421
Balt. Md
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Also remember as someone stated that the alt will only put out what it needs to maintain the target voltage of the reg setting. You could put a 200 amp alt on the car and as long as its regulated right by the regulator it will only put out the needed current to maintain the voltage setting. So if you still have a mostly the stock setup but added a few things like electronic ign and fuel pump and fan that even with a battery close to dead the alt will put out just what it needs to hit the 14.5 or there about target voltage. Even with a 200 amps the alt may only need to put out 70 or 80 amps to maintain the target volts and supply the electrical load. Its always good to upgrade the wireing and bypass the ammeter and bulkhead connector on our older cars when larger output alts are installed but if you have not added much electrical load its not like it will fry your wire harness right away. I am guessing you are sure the alt you got does not have an internal regulator ? Ron
Last edited by 383man; 02/17/16 08:14 PM.
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Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: JL2]
#2014191
02/17/16 08:52 PM
02/17/16 08:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,163 Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,163
Mesa, Arizona
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I'm running a 60 amp round back Power Master. We bench tested it and it showed putting out 14.75 volts. I converted the amp meter to a voltmeter.
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: Thumperdart]
#2014244
02/17/16 10:17 PM
02/17/16 10:17 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,302 Nebraska
72Swinger
master
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master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,302
Nebraska
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the stock ammeter is only made for 40/60 amps so sending 90 amps of charge thru will melt it and peg it out. Bypass the ammeter and install a volt meter. THIS...........Did it years ago and also ran separate alt wires bypassing the stock bulkhead and goes to 14.5-14.7 the second it starts...... DO IT before it melts. They are nothing but a fire waiting to happen.
Mopar to the bone!!!
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Re: Ammeter very fast fluctuation from middle to pegged out.
[Re: JL2]
#2014285
02/17/16 11:18 PM
02/17/16 11:18 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,540 Milwaukee WI
TRENDZ
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,540
Milwaukee WI
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Although it will only output the amps it needs, the ammeter, being resistive will drive the alternator to high output. The ammeters in these cars are old. the resistance will cause a meltdown(at best) or a fire. The symptoms described are a precursor to the latter...
"use it 'till it breaks, replace as needed"
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