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Ammeter Wiring

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by dhuber, Nov 13, 2020.

  1. Nov 13, 2020
    dhuber

    dhuber New Member

    West Kelowna...
    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2019
    Messages:
    6
    I acquired a 1960 CJ5 that was purchased new by my father-in law. I am restoring it back to original. It has a Hawk guage cluster that has been in it as long as anyone can remember. I have cleaned it up and plan to reinstall it and get all 3 gauges working(ammeter, coolant temp, oil pressure). The Jeep is 12v with a prestolite generator. I am replacing the wiring harness with a new one from Walck's. I have read most of the forums and am aware of the dangers using a ammeter. What I need to know is how to correctly wire the guage. My research online and in the FSM has led me to believe that I should run a 10g wire from the bat. terminal on the voltage regulator to one side of the guage and a 14g from the other side of the guage to the ign. terminal on the ignition switch. Is this correct? Thanks, my understanding of the electrical system is somewhat inept!!
     
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2020
    dhuber, Nov 13, 2020
    #1
  2. Nov 13, 2020
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,133
    The generator will have an output of 30 amps, that's what the circuit breaker on the back of the light switch is rated at & that's what the wiring to it should be scaled for. 14gu. for 30 amps is pushing it a bit, nominally it's only rated for 15 amps. Now 14 gu. wire is listed as being the correct size for a fusible link but the screaming caused by molten copper burning it's way through someone's leg is not considered to be quality entertainment by most. I'd run 10 from the gauge to the breaker & splice a few inches of 14 ( in a flame resistant sleeve) into the wire at the generator armature terminal.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Nov 13, 2020
    #2
  3. Nov 13, 2020
    dhuber

    dhuber New Member

    West Kelowna...
    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2019
    Messages:
    6
    Just to clarify, one side of the guage to the circuit breaker on the light switch and the other side of the guage to the armature terminal on the generator using 10 with a 14 fusable link. Does it matter which side of the circuit breaker?
     
    dhuber, Nov 13, 2020
    #3
  4. Nov 13, 2020
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,133
    Sorry no, one side to the breaker, the other to the battery terminal on the regulator. I would place the fusible link in the wire that runs between the genny and regulator armature terminals.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Nov 13, 2020
    #4
  5. Nov 13, 2020
    dhuber

    dhuber New Member

    West Kelowna...
    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2019
    Messages:
    6
    Got it. Thanks for the expertise!!
     
    dhuber, Nov 13, 2020
    #5
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