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Ammeter Wiring Help

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by LKap, Aug 20, 2022.

  1. Aug 20, 2022
    LKap

    LKap New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
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    I recently purchased a triple gauge cluster from autometer with the mechanical temp and oil pressure gauges and the ammeter. I have a new walks wiring harness on my stock ‘59 with a 12v generator. I have the original instrument cluster. I want to leave the wire attached to the “amp” light on the cluster but add the ammeter to see charge vs discharge (like on my CJ3A). Can someone help me out with how to wire this and keep everything else original without causing a fire!! TIA
     
  2. Aug 20, 2022
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    You'll need to Wire the ammeter in between the lead from the regulator "B" terminal and the starter solenoid. I'd use a size larger gauge wire than what's there now and make sure the connections & crimp connections are well done & have anti corrosion grease spread over & between everything.

    upload_2022-8-20_17-14-39.png
     
  3. Aug 20, 2022
    LKap

    LKap New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
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    So I just wire it in series between the regulator and the solenoid? Everything else stays where it is? Is 12g wire big enough? I have some of that on hand
     
  4. Aug 20, 2022
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    12 gu. isn't rated for 30 amps, 10 is but it's right on the edge. Personally I'd go for 8.

    I'll say it again- make sure your connections are well done.
     
    Rick Whitson and Glenn like this.
  5. Aug 21, 2022
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    And very well installed/protected - this circuit is maximum power and totally unfused.
     
  6. Aug 21, 2022
    LKap

    LKap New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
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    Just hooked it all up. Connections were very solid and I put shrink tube on everything. Works perfectly. Thanks for all the advice. I used 10g. Any idea why Walcks original wiring from the solenoid to the regulator was only 12g
     
    Fireball likes this.
  7. Aug 21, 2022
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    just for safety reasons . I would add a fusible link ( wire) to amp meter wiring
     
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  8. Aug 21, 2022
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    In stock form peak current draw usually only occurs after starting while the genny is recharging the depleted battery, but they weren't concerned with the wire heating up for the 30 seconds or so it takes to bring the battery back up as it's only a short length, in the engine bay, not coming near any potential grounds. Nor were they concerned overly much with the voltage drop on the wire.

    But heat will eventually degrade insulation, degraded insulation on a wire that as Pete points out, is unfused & is now running into the dash area through metal, around metal and maybe rubbing against metal.

    Increasing the gauge cuts down the cable resistance, the voltage drop, the heat & insulation aging. Good connections reduce resistance at those points reducing hot spots- more than a few ammeters have gone up in flames taking things with them because of poor/aged/corroded hook ups, insulation failing or being abraded. :(
     
    dnb71R2 and Fireball like this.
  9. Aug 22, 2022
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    This literally happened to me. I won't use an ammeter, mine all have volt meters instead.
     
  10. Aug 22, 2022
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    North Carolina
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    Like Twin2 said.
     
  11. Aug 22, 2022
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    One downside is the possibility of suddenly losing headlights, possibly at high speed. One reason it is not usually done.

    Not so safe now, eh, Mr Bond?
     
  12. Aug 23, 2022
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    X2. I get rid of an amp gauge (and the potential shorts and melted wires/fires) on everything I own. Volt gauge tells me whats going on without the high amp exposures.
    -Donny
     
  13. Aug 23, 2022
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Probably safe enough on a fresh install with a new meter & fresh wiring/connectors but not tolerant of age or weather exposure.
     
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