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Is this negative electrical draw normal?

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Old Mar 11, 2017 | 08:01 AM
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Default Is this negative electrical draw normal?

I purchased this car with the windshield wipers inop. I replaced the wiper motor so the system is now operational. The other day I drove the car in the rain with the wipers, headlights, and AC on. My ammeter showed about a needle width negative draw. Would this slight discharge be considered as normal for this vintage car?

Regards,
Tom
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Old Mar 11, 2017 | 08:20 AM
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Hi Tom,
No.
The ammeter indicates the rate at which the battery is being charged.
A discharge indicates that the electrical demand is more than the alternator's output.
You can test the alternator's output.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Mar 11, 2017 | 08:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi Tom,
No.
The ammeter indicates the rate at which the battery is being charged.
A discharge indicates that the electrical demand is more than the alternator's output.
You can test the alternator's output.
Regards,
Alan
I guess the first thing to check when I get back in town will be alternator belt tension.

Thanks,
Tom
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Old Mar 11, 2017 | 10:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom69
I guess the first thing to check when I get back in town will be alternator belt tension.

Thanks,
Tom
Yes check the belt first might just need tightened but as Alan said have the alternator checked . It could just be that the gauge is off a little being an old car but start with knowing that the alternator is charging properly .
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Old Mar 11, 2017 | 10:55 AM
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Hi Tom,
Didn't ask the obvious question…. does the needle progressively move toward the + side as you turn off the electrical accessories?
Regards,
Alan
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Old Mar 11, 2017 | 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi Tom,
Didn't ask the obvious question…. does the needle progressively move toward the + side as you turn off the electrical accessories?
Regards,
Alan
Yes.
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Old Mar 12, 2017 | 12:35 PM
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yes its normal. Its the draw of amps on the system, each item should show more draw, opposite as you turn them off, A volt meter wouldn't show much deflection because its how many volts are being produced. Each meter has its pluses and minuses.

Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Mar 12, 2017 at 12:40 PM.
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