dkjfdx

I've read all the threads on ammeters in archives for 1964s. I'm starting to think my issue is not the gauge. I've replaced old gauge with new one with same response - the needle barely moves off zero no matter what I do. There is movement but it's nearly imperceptible. Yet, if I touch the poles to an old 1.5 AAA battery, it makes a full swing both ways. It's almost like the wiring has too much resistance and doesn't allow enough voltage to actuate the needle. Could it be something in wiring or shunt. How much will needle normally move during normal operation? Any ideas?

jim lockwood

From reading the threads you know that the "Ammeter" detects the slight drop in Voltage along a heavy wire that runs between the horn relay and the starter solenoid. It connects at each end of this heavy wire via a pair of small gauge wires. The needle should definitely move dramatically to recharge the battery, say, after starting the engine.

A poor connection anywhere between the meter and the two ends of this heavy wire will make it difficult for the meter to sense the Voltage drop. When this happens you get the very slight needle movement you are seeing.

I'd be looking at the connections to the meter, the quality of the crimp connections of the terminals that tie the meter wiring to the horn relay and starter solenoid, and to the connections at the horn relay and starter solenoid.

Jim

JohnZ

The two sense wires (to the horn relay and the starter solenoid) both run through the inboard multiple connector on the engine side of the fuse block; if those terminals inside the connector are dirty or corroded, you won't get the kind of gauge response you should.

richbopp

After following John's advice a while back and cleaning the inboard firewall connector I got a significant difference in the ammeter needle movement.

Chuck Gongloff

These guys are 100% correct, but I'll add one more thing....

Is you alternator working?

Burned out diodes/internal shorts in the alternator might be the cause.

I recently had this problem in my 63, not long after my alternator was rebuilt.

Ammeter wouldn't swing....sent the alternator back.....several burned diodes were the cause. Why? Dunno, but it works fine now.

Chuck

RandyFM2499

I'm having the same trouble with my 63 and I think I will try cleaning these connectors. Any advise or suggestions before I start would be appreciated.

dkjfdx

Cleaning the contacts and connectors was the tickets. The gauge is working fine. Thanks for the tip.