An ammeter is SUPPOSED TO BE A SHORT, or at least be as close to zero ohms as
possible. You are trying to measure the current in a wire while causing only a
minimal voltage drop. If it is working properly and installed correctly (for
Sunbeams), it should only see the battery charging or discharging current, but
not the starter current. If the gauge opens, then the battery doesn't charge.
If you develop a short from the wiring to the case, then you will have shorted
+12V with lots of power behind it, to ground, which is that little wire that
goes from instrument to instrument under the dash, which will quickly melt.
Stu
An EE with both a voltmeter and an ammeter in my Tiger.
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