632 Bobcat Ampmeter

[slk]

I installed a new ampmeter today and it is only reading 5 amps on the + side. It is an oem from bobcat. 50 amp both sides with 0 center. Is this about where it should be or do you think my alternator my not be charging too well????? It did go to 10 amps when you rev it up a little. Thanks Steve

 

[Tazza]

An ammter will only show you what the battery is drawing. If the battery is fully charged and just started the engine, its normal for it to only draw say 5-10 amps. When you rev, the alternator will be running faster giving more power too, so pretty sure its running about rite.
When the engine is at idle, it may not be charging much if at all, but when reving its running as it should.

 

[jeffco]

An ammter will only show you what the battery is drawing. If the battery is fully charged and just started the engine, its normal for it to only draw say 5-10 amps. When you rev, the alternator will be running faster giving more power too, so pretty sure its running about rite.
When the engine is at idle, it may not be charging much if at all, but when reving its running as it should.

reading an ammeter can be tricky especially if a battery is low on charge. Best shot is to use a digital volt meter. If you are in the 14 volt area with engine running, you ar pretty good. With the battery near full charge which would be 12.6 volts engine not running. 12.1 is near dead. So a fairly well charged battery should have lower amps and near maximum voltage but if you had a lower battery charge like 12.2 then expect 25 to 30 amps ans 13,2 to 13.5 volts at 1000 rpm. As amperage goes up voltage goes down and visa versa. Check your ground cable, both ends, jeffco