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Technical Smoke from batt. gauge

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by banditomerc, Sep 28, 2020.

  1. banditomerc
    Joined: Dec 18, 2005
    Posts: 2,475

    banditomerc
    Member

    I installed 1 wire 100 amp alternator to 1950 chevy truck. I ran 8 gauge wire through the stock batt gauge to battery..was fine all morning ,then I smelled the hot wire smell..looked under dash and saw the smoke coming from wire to gauge terminal...question is what gives? I have done this in past with no issues. So tell me..is it the gauge? Or?.
     
  2. It's your 30 amp ammeter not liking 100 amps... It's injured if not dead.
    This why voltmeters are now used.
     
  3. Or 3 wire with a charge warning light, but it does sound like the gauge is very unhappy.
     
  4. Most 1 wire alternator instructions that I have seen recommend installing an additional wire from the alternator bat post directly to the battery or starter solenoid as a shunt to reduce the load on the gauge.
     
    Never2low likes this.

  5. This is, perhaps, the ammeter's way of saying "We are not amused!". :mad:
     
    Just Gary likes this.
  6. THIS. I simply connected the wire from the alternator to the "outlet" side of the amp gauge, effectively bypassing same. On an old Dodge PU, I did the alternator to battery wire, 8GA. This bypasses the amp gauge. Install a Volt meter.

    Ben
     
    Never2low and alanp561 like this.
  7. banditomerc
    Joined: Dec 18, 2005
    Posts: 2,475

    banditomerc
    Member

    Thanks to all who responded...great community..
     
  8. oldsman41
    Joined: Jun 25, 2010
    Posts: 1,556

    oldsman41
    Member

    To many amps go volts instead
     
  9. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 31,179

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

  10. rockable
    Joined: Dec 21, 2009
    Posts: 4,429

    rockable
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Once you let the magic smoke out, it usually won't work. :(
     
    Jalopy Joker likes this.

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