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?.
It's your 30 amp ammeter not liking 100 amps... It's injured if not dead. This why voltmeters are now used.
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.
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