Posted by MarkB_MI on April 21, 2014 at 02:56:13 from (198.208.159.19):
In Reply to: Amps and volts posted by Notjustair on April 20, 2014 at 18:08:30:
Back in the days of low-output generators and simple electrical systems, ammeters made a lot of sense: plus means "good", minus means "bad". This is easy to see if you have a 15 or 30 amp meter. But the meter needs to be able to handle the maximum alternator output, and it's pretty difficult to tell a slight charge from a slight discharge on a 60 amp ammeter. Many vehicles today have 130 amp alternators; a 130 amp full-scale ammeter is pretty much useless.
Higher alternator capacities also made it less practical to install an ammeter in the dash. The shunt needs to be large and the alternator-to-battery cable needs to be heavy gauge. Ammeter-equipped vehicles built in the late sixties used remote current shuts, but this adds a complexity and expense to the charging system.
I think another factor was the popularity of imported cars in the seventies; Japanese and European manufacturers had already made the switch to voltmeters and the introduction of these cars to the US helped gain acceptance for voltmeters. In the end, the only reason to stick with ammeters was that drivers were familiar with them. Once they got used to seeing volmeters on imported vehicles that reason wentt away.
In my opinion, the voltmeter is a far better diagnostic tool than an ammeter. Add to that the simplicity of installing a voltmeter and it wins hands-down.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - A Brief History of Tractors in Australia - by Bob Kavanagh. After Captain Cook's exploration of the east coast in 1770 the British Government decided to establish a penal colony in Australia. The first fleet arrived in 1788 and consisted mainly of convicts who were poorly equipped and new little of farming techniques. The colony remained far from self-supporting and it was not until the early 1800's that things started to improve. Free settlers started to arrive, they followed the explorers across the mountains and where land was suitable set up farms. T
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
Sell 1958 Hi-Altitude Massey Fergerson tractor, original condition. three point hitch pto engine, Runs well, photos available upon request
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.