[Tigers] Alternator wiring.

[Smit, Theo]

The Mk2 never actually had an ammeter, but there is a 50A ammeter that
is close to the original in font and trim.



The ammeter should only measure the current going to and from the
battery, so it is unlikely to pass the rated alternator output for any
significant period of time. Most of the alternator output will be used
to operate the car's electrical system.

However, "should" is the operative term here. I think that in practice,
a lot of installers were unclear on the intended purpose of the ammeter
and wired them straight into the ammeter output, and that will
definitely damage the ammeter in short order.



Easy way to tell if your ammeter is wired right:

Turn on the headlights (with the engine off and ignition off). Ammeter
needle should go to the "-" side. Now turn off the headlights and start
the engine. Ammeter should go to the "+" side, quite a bit when you
first start it and then quickly go to a steady reading, closer to zero
but still on the "+" side.



If the ammeter doesn't move when you turn on the headlights, then it's
wired incorrectly.



Theo