Amp Gauge

[Deltarat]

Good morning,
I've been playing with this free 150 hp Mercury outboard and have finally got it rewired to manufactures specs. It now turns over without any problems. I plan to test the motor after I replace the 5/16" fuel lines as they are now leaking badly. I'm sticking this motor on a friends 28' party barge which has Mercury cabling already installed so everything should match up. My question is about the amp gauge. This boat has an amp gauge in the dash with no wires hooked up to it. I'd like this to work to verify that the motor is recharging the battery. Are the wires supposed to come off the key "run" position and then down the cabling to the switch box? I have purchased a factory service manual but no where does it mention how to wire in this gauge. Thanks, Bob

 

[Robj]

Re: Amp Gauge

Throw out the amp gauge and put in a voltage one instead. It is easier to rewire, and will provided better information as to whether or not your system is charging.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Amp Gauge

There is another thread on this topic in the "Electronics" section. Go there to get your question answered. But yes -- throw the amp gauge away and install a Voltmeter.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Amp Gauge

Delta, Modern outboards (post 60's) are not mean to support an ammeter. The ammeter needs to be connected in series with the wire that runs from the voltage regulator or rectifier (whichever one you have) to the battery cable in the outboard cowling. You would need to break this connection and route both ends with heavy wire to the ammeter in the dashboard.

 

[Deltarat]

Re: Amp Gauge

Thanks for the info. I will take your advice and change gauges. Bob