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I recently installed a 140 amp alternator in my '86 Pantera. In Florida, we run the A/C almost constantly. My technician advises leaving the stock amp gauge disconnected for safety reasons. I would like to see that my charging system is functioning however. Should I go with a non stock volt guage? If so, specifically which and where can I obtain it? Is there another amp gauge solution I could consider?
Thanks for your ideas.
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Phil, you have 3 choices (besides non-stock):
first, leave the gauge disconnected.
Second, add a 'shunt' across the gauge terminals. Then the current will split with most going thru the shunt and only part going through the gauge. This will decrease the gauge reading, but absolute numbers are pretty meaningless anyway. Mostly, you want plus (charging) or minus (discharging).
third- Gary Hall (and probably other vendors) sells a "fireproofed" amp gauge that looks like stock. It may have a built-in shunt.
If you go with a home-made shunt, use 8 or 10-gauge wire or a strip of brass shim about 0.060 thick x 5/16" wide & INSULATE the h... out of whatever material you use.
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