1950 M38 no reading on the dash amp meter

radtech · Member Joined: Aug 09, 2010 Posts: 203

The generator is charging 30 volts but no reading on the amp meter

4x4M38 · Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2024 5:04 pm Post subject:

The amp meter only shows load, correct? Do you have anything turned on?

The voltmeter if you had one shows generator output continuously.

Maybe I’ve been out in the sun too long today….
_________________
Brian
1950 M38
MC11481
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album372&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

RonD2 · Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2024 6:47 pm Post subject:

With the engine not running, turn the headlights on.
Do you see the ammeter needle jump part way to the negative side indicating the load on the batteries?
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Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

radtech · Member Joined: Aug 09, 2010 Posts: 203

I think the armature in the meter is locked up.It doesn't move with the lights on or when running the radio gear.Is there any source for these amp meters.It is a Dec.1950 mfg and I would like to keep it original.

radtech · Member Joined: Aug 09, 2010 Posts: 203

Found one on ebay NOS.

G740 · Member Joined: Jan 27, 2006 Posts: 500

What voltage regulator are you running? Solid state or mechanical?
John

wesk · Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2024 9:33 am Post subject:

You mentioned your radio gear. Most jeeps with radio gear had the larger output generators or alternators. Most conversions to these larger power output units included a switch from amp meter to voltmeter. This would be a good time to give us a accurated component assessment of your electrical system. Stock, 60 Amp or 100 Amp or civilian system.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

radtech · Member Joined: Aug 09, 2010 Posts: 203

Current draw is only around 8 amps in receive and 12 in transmitt.It has never affected the batteries.

wesk · Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2024 12:36 pm Post subject:

So, is your electrical system completely stock and original? Including the voltage regulator? The Army introduced a transistorize voltage regulator around 1959. Also a Delco generator and regulatyor were optional. When you first start the jeep does the amp meter show a positive charge then taper off to the middle neutral position?
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

RonD2 · Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2024 4:31 pm Post subject:

radtech · Member Joined: Aug 09, 2010 Posts: 203

The needle has never moved and the resistance through the meter shows a complete circut.I put a battery to the meter and the needle still doesn't move.

wesk · Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 11:46 am Post subject:

Radtech, could you answer this question I asked above earlier?

radtech · Member Joined: Aug 09, 2010 Posts: 203

Wiring from regulator to amp meter read good.Regulator is Autolite VBC 4002UT.I also checked the meter shunt resistor in the regulator which I thought might be the problem it is good.

wesk · Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:41 pm Post subject:

And an answer to this questions as well:

radtech · Member Joined: Aug 09, 2010 Posts: 203

New amp gauge solved the problem.A couple taps with a plastic mallet and the old one now works.


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