All you have to do to test the ammeter is turn on the ignition.We usually think of static discharge as an expenditure of electrostatic energy stored in our bodies and clothing, usually between a doorknob and the nerve endings of our fingers (''Ouch! Darn!''). Static discharge can ALSO refer to the normal discharge which occurs in a Kettering ignition system with the ignition on and the engine at rest (or STATIC). A discharge occurs because the points are closed, completeing the path to ground through them. Most original 6-volt Kettering systems on Farmalls show a static discharge of about 4 amps. If you have an alternator you probably have a non-standard ignition system (12 volt conversion), but UNLESS an electronic ignition has ALSO been installed, you should see a static dishcharge of some kind in the range of 2-4 amps. So, turn on the ignition. If the meter does not deflect to show a slight discharge it is stuck, or (more likely in a 12-volt conversion of unkown quality) disconnected because the person doing the conversion didn't know how to make it read properly after the polarity switch (simple). If the tractor does have points, it would NOT be running if the static discharge were NOT present. So a properly connected and functioning ammeter MUST show it. If the meter has NOT been connected properly, and you didn't do the conversion yourself, be suspicious of the whole conversion job, as most people who understand these systems know how useful an ammeter is and will make sure it is in circuit and functioning properly before they deliver the job to a customer. Read the procedures and tips for conversions on these boards and elsewhere and take a good look at yours. Remember, if the ammeter is disconnected, you've already found ONE thing you need to fix...
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