1989 48 spl amp meter hookup question

[Beck]

Hi To All,<br /><br />From other replys I understand that my year/model engine doesn't charge alot. I have a amp meter that came out of a battery charger, 0-15 amps. and has 2 studs on the back one labled + and the other I assume is Neg. How would I connect this to my engine. I have the OMC side control. It had the hookup for the tack which my tack is plugged in to. I would like it to show me how many amps I'm putting out and to be off when key is off.<br /><br />Sincerly,<br />Beck

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 1989 48 spl amp meter hookup question

You would have to run two more 12ga wires from the motor to the dash. Basically you disconnect the red wires where the voltage regulator meets the motor's wiring harness. Connect the red wire coming from the regulator to the unlabeled side of the meter and the wire from the harness to the +. (I could have that backwards). The + I think basically goes to the battery which is where the red wire in the motor's harness leads. The other lead isn't a negative, so don't ground it. You're putting that gauge in series with the charging circuit. Voltmeters on the other hand are connected parallel. Keep in mind that your gauge may not be well protected from the elements. But most I've seen are fairly well encased in plastic.<br /><br />Come to think of it, you may just need one additional wire from the motor. I don't see any reason the other end couldn't be connected to the red wire to your ignition switch. But that red connection out of the regulator still has to be disconnected. In this scenario you just need the one lead connected to the red from the regulator. The other returns thru the remote control harness.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 1989 48 spl amp meter hookup question

just install a voltmeter. much easier and safer than a amp meter.<br />good luck and keep posting

 

[ZmOz]

Re: 1989 48 spl amp meter hookup question

Amp meter is not a good idea at all. The full output of the alternator has to go up to the meter and then back to the battery...you'll loose quite a bit of voltage on the way there, and it isn't very safe.

 

[Beck]

Re: 1989 48 spl amp meter hookup question

Thanks for the input guys.<br /><br />Where would be the best place to hook up the voltmeter? And shouldn't it be hooked up to the key switch as not to run the battery down.<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Beck

 

[Stumpys]

Re: 1989 48 spl amp meter hookup question

To hook up an amp meter all you have to do is just cut the positive wire from the alternator that goes to the battery in half. One side of the positive goes to one post and the other side of the positive goes to the other post. Basically, with an amp meter, you are just breaking the line in half and adding a meter to it. Just like willybwright said.... like a series circuit. There is no ground wire to hook up.<br /><br />Enough said there with Amp Meter 101, I agree with just using a volt meter instead of a amp meter. There really is no reason to have to know the amperage output, unless you just like to have one. A volt meter will tell you if your not charging.