The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1973 - 1987 Chevrolet & GMC Squarebody Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-20-2014, 01:05 AM   #1
RPOZ11
72 BB C30 Super LongHorn
 
RPOZ11's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Chavez Ravine
Posts: 1,606
Cool AMPS Gauge / System test

Ok, just installed my GM Tach Dash assembly into my 75.

What is the best way to load test the system to ensure it is working correctly?

At this moment, the Tach works, oil line pressure working, gas gauge works.

The AMP gauge needle isn't moving.

Proper procedures to test the system?

Thanx
__________________
72 BB C/30 Longhorn Super
HO72 No-Spin, #'s matching, Tilt, Tach, AC, AM/FM


HO72 build :
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=714492

2017 SS
RPOZ11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2014, 01:55 AM   #2
Corts60
Just here to tinker
 
Corts60's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Holland, MI
Posts: 3,697
Re: AMPS Gauge / System test

The AMP gauge will only move if there is a load on the system, AKA the battery is low and is charging. Otherwise it will hover right in the middle constantly.
Corts60 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2014, 02:42 AM   #3
RPOZ11
72 BB C30 Super LongHorn
 
RPOZ11's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Chavez Ravine
Posts: 1,606
Cool Re: AMPS Gauge / System test

Ok, thanx for that.
Had some discussion tonite with a friend.
The AMP Gaugeis is in a stock 73-75 Chevy Truck:
We used an original GM dash harness for the Amps system.
We purchased a reproduction wiring harness from AutoWire.
Front Light Harness all the way back to the tail lamp harness.
So, everything is brand new, for the exception of the under dash GM harness.
All is working.
Tach gauge : working.
Temp gauge : working.
Gas gauge : working.
Amp gauge : stands straight up with NO movement.

Now...
The Alt is a brand new rebuild; "0" miles.
Starter : Brand New rebuild GM unit.
Battery is the one that came with the truck.
Will replace that shortly with a new one.

What load tests can we do to ensure proper functionality of the AMP system?
__________________
72 BB C/30 Longhorn Super
HO72 No-Spin, #'s matching, Tilt, Tach, AC, AM/FM


HO72 build :
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=714492

2017 SS
RPOZ11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2014, 03:03 PM   #4
tlawre87
Registered User
 
tlawre87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Meeker, ok
Posts: 146
Re: AMPS Gauge / System test

Way I always load test my system: Lights on with high beams, radio on, fan on max speed, AC on if possible. Granted this test is going to more see if the alternator is putting out good voltage. I'd still expect a drop in the ammeter though.

To add Id be using a voltmeter/Ammeter separately just to make sure you are seeing the voltage drops.
__________________
Trevor
74 C20...work in progress.
04 Saturn Ion...Daily Driver

Last edited by tlawre87; 11-20-2014 at 03:11 PM.
tlawre87 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2014, 10:53 PM   #5
franken
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 3,124
Re: AMPS Gauge / System test

I'd measure voltage across the gauge, and from each terminal to ground. Write down exactly what you get.
The reading across should be very low, maybe .5-2V, and the readings to ground very similar, differing by the reading across.
If you can't get to the terminals, a wiring diagram should show where to measure on the firewall connector under the hood.
franken is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2014, 06:02 PM   #6
justcuz
Registered User
 
justcuz's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Alta Loma, Ca.
Posts: 930
Re: AMPS Gauge / System test

You can also test alternator output by using a volt meter off the back of the alternator (on the heavier gauge single wire) as you increase the load, the charge voltage should increase. Many times the amp gauge will drop minimally with a lot of load on it. This is why amp meters later became voltmeters on dash gauges.
justcuz is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:24 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com