8N amp and voltage readings

Question: My amp gauge just barely moves with the engine at full throttle. The needle moves to the 2-5 area on the amp gauge. I do not have an amp meter, but my voltage meter was showing about 13 volts at the generator and 13 at the amp gauge. What do i need to check to see if it is charging correctly.

Thank you, Greg

Do you really know what you have or don't have?

Correctly identifying the gauge and readings you are seeing will help us help you.

soundguy

ANYHOW, 13 Volts while running and charging is a bit low.

You should be seeing 13.8 to 14.5 Volts.

If you aren't satisfied with something that works, leave the switch off, and let the starter run a few minutes.

Then stop, and turn your switch on and crank it and see what the amps are.

Yep, I know wondering is an amazing thang.

When a battery is low, what is the typical amp readings on the gauge while charging. Anyone have an idea where I should start. Could it be a faulty voltage regulator?

Thanks

The Ammeter & your Voltage reading would be consistant will a low battery & a low charging rate

The Charging System should output MAX current >20 amps with a battery @13 Volts.

The GEN/Alt is a seperate functioning system but before it can charge the battery it MUST supply all the current for the LOAD's

I would disconnect the ALT/Gen (output only) and see if you then have a High discharge Condition on your AMMETER > 20 amps. If its only 5 amps you don't have a load problem

Best to then check Alt/Gen.. free

Hope This Helps,

Thanks

Ok, you answered the main question, now you will need to wait on some of the genny gurus.

I am a 6 volt, positive ground, Chevy, 1 wire, alternator, advocate. (some folks frown on that, but it has served me well for over a human generation)

Potentially less expensive solution; do some reading on how your tractor's charging system works so you can understand what's going on. There's lots of good information among the articles on the left side of this page.

I can clear up one misconception: Greg is making a distinction between the dashboard ammeter ("amp guage") and a test meter inserted in line. He has the former; he does not have the latter.

And, Greg, you do not NEED the latter. Your dashboard ammeter can tell you evrything you need to know.