54 amp meter

[Ed P.]

Hi
My next problem with this 54 is the amp meter pegs out to 30 amps when you step on the gas. It follows the throttle. Can someone also tell me how to remove the horn button or assy. The whole thing is loose. Thanks Ed

[Michael L.]

Re: 54 amp meter

How much of a charge does the battery have? After starting my '55 the meter is pegged, after a few miles above 2000 RPM, the meter drops to just to the right of center. I keep a battery tender on it to keep the charge up.

To remove the horn button, start with removing the center cap on the horn ring, gently pry it out, see if you can use a nylon pry tool. Once you remove the horn ring it is all self explanatory, take pics or notes before you disassemble.

Mike

[Jim L.]

Re: 54 amp meter

Hi
My next problem with this 54 is the amp meter pegs out to 30 amps when you step on the gas. It follows the throttle.

This is not normal behavior. It suggests to me the field terminal of your generator is constantly grounded, compelling the generator to produce maximum output all the time.

The terminal could be grounded due to defective wiring between the generator and the regulator or it could be a bad regulator.

Either way, I'd suggest you make finding and fixing the problem a priority....even higher priority than removing the horn button.

Jim

[Ed P.]

Re: 54 amp meter

OK thanks guys thanks will do some troubleshooting tommorrow and let you know. Ed

[Ed P.]

Re: 54 amp meter

OK here is update. Cleaned terminals at generator, voltage regulator and starter. There is a change for the good. Amp meter now only goes to about 25 amps and appears to be slowly dropping down with rpms. I wll have to drive it again and see for sure. Voltage reads 7.3v at battery at 2000 rpm. Did not get to leads at amp meter {I am to greasy for that} will check them tommorrow. Ed

[Jim L.]

Re: 54 amp meter

Cleaned terminals at generator, voltage regulator and starter. There is a change for the good. Amp meter now only goes to about 25 amps and appears to be slowly dropping down with rpms. I wll have to drive it again and see for sure. Voltage reads 7.3v at battery at 2000 rpm.

Ed, the charging current behavior and the battery Voltage you measured are now pretty much as they should be.

However, don't declare victory and go home just yet.

Cleaning of the terminals seems to have dislodged whatever was causing the generator's field terminal to be grounded, but that's all. It doesn't explain why that terminal was grounded in the first place.

If that were my car, I'd be taking a closer look at the wiring and at the Voltage regulator to understand why the malfunction occurred. Without some investigative work, there is a risk is that it will happen again.

Jim