Never retro-fit an ammeter. It introduces several more points for complete
electrical failure and needs two long wires that carry all the electrical
load except cranking. If you really must have peace of mind then fit a
voltmeter, but as John Twist says "in almost all circumstances the warning
light will warn you of charge failure, go and buy some nice driving gloves
instead". But none of the warning light, ammeter or voltmeter will tell you
if your car is going to start in the morning, and the gloves will keep your
hands warm while you are waiting for the breakdown service. *None* of them
warn of cataclysmic failure of the charge until it has happened, and only
the voltmeter will warn of a gradual loss.
PaulH.
----- Original Message -----
From: <Aeseeyou@aol.com>
To: <paul.hunt1@blueyonder.co.uk>
Cc: <mgs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2004 6:13 PM
Subject: Re: Red Warning Lite
> To All,
> On the later models of MGB those cost cutting wizards at B/L- MG decided
to
> replace the Voltmeter with an aptly named "idiot light" that I suppose
will
> warn us of a cataclysmic failure of the cars charging system. When? When
its too
> late, that's when! Best thing to do IMHO is to put in a Voltmeter or
Ammeter
> and have a constant read on your cars charging system. British cars are
> especially prone to sudden battery problems or failure of the charging
system. After
> the last time my battery system went Blewie! I said enough is enough and
> shelled out the $40 or so it costs to buy a gauge and $15 bucks for the
bezel to
> mount it in.
> (Hint! find a place that is completely clear of getting bumped or hit
with
> your knee or leg. Also try to find a bezel thats made of a cast aluminum
or the
> like, so you're less likely to cut your self if you suddenly bump it or
get
> into an accident.)
> Albert Escalante
> 1978 MGB & 1977 Jaguar XJ6-L
> Central Coast British Car Club (Ca.)
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