Amp meter not registering

[MichaelA]

My generator is putting out about 7.5 amps but nothing is showing on the amp meter. This car use to show about 5 amps The needle jumps up on the initial start-up then drops down to maybe 1 amp with the lights turned on. How should I go about troubleshooting the issue?
Thanks,

[Moxie26]

Upon starting, the ammeter will show a positive charge and sounds like you are running with your headlights on so the ammeter would drop down to about the 1 amp that you mentioned. Sounds very normal..... How do you know your generator is putting out 7.5 amps?

[speedytinc]

Do you have a cutout or voltage regulator?
What you describe would be very normal with a fully charged battery & a voltage regulator.
Put an analog ammeter between the cutout terminal & terminal wire. The 2 ammeter readings should be the same.
Connect your test ammeter to the dash ammeter terminals. Readings should be relatively the same, realizing the dash meter is typically inaccurate.

[Steve Jelf]

I think 1 amp with the lights on is about right. The service manual doesn't mention that specifically, but it tells you how to adjust the generator. See pages 225-226.

[MichaelA]

If I remember right this car has a voltage regulator. Is there a way to tell the difference? We tested it with an amp meter while running and it was putting out 7.5 amps. Thanks for your help- it sounds like everything is working fine.

[Norman Kling]

If you have a voltage regulator, the ammeter will show a higher reading right after starting, but when the battery is fully charged, it will go down. Then if you turn on the lights it will continue to maintain the battery while the lights are on. One amp would be about right. If you just have a cutout or diode, it will show a constant charge according to the setting of the generator. Then if you think you are overcharging on a longer tour, turn on the lights in the daytime. Be sure to remember to turn them off when you stop the engine so it will not drain the battery.
Norm

[MichaelA]

Thanks guys, it sounds like everything is working like it should.