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Re: Electrical help - Ammeter versus Ignition Warning Lamp

To: Jack Brooks <brooks@belcotech.com>
Subject: Re: Electrical help - Ammeter versus Ignition Warning Lamp
From: Randall <randallyoung@earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 09:45:14 -0700
Cc: Triumph List <Triumphs@autox.team.net>
References: <000401bed45e$a5c33280$580db5ce@brooks.belcotech.com>
Jack :

It sounds to me as though everything is working exactly as
expected/designed.  The generator (or did you have an alternator ?) is
still putting out some current at idle, hence the light is not on, but
not enough to keep up with the load of the fan, ignition, etc., hence
the discharge shown on the ammeter.

The red warning lamp is really a very poor indicator of generator
performance.  It basically only indicates a total failure (generator not
turning, cut out didn't close, etc.) and not always that.  About the
only thing certain about the warning light : if it's on, something's not
working !  (This is probably why Triumph called it the 'ignition warning
lamp' instead of the 'generator warning lamp'.)

Randall
59 TR3A

Jack Brooks wrote:
> 
> Scions,
> 
> When I wired up my OD and electric radiator fan circuits  I pulled the power
> directly off the fuze box (power circuits from the unswitched side, control
> circuits from the switched side.) When I am idling with the electric fan
> running and the head lights on, I get a slight discharge showing on the
> ammeter, which I expected, but no glow from the red Warning Lamp, which
> surprises me. (Yes, the warning lamp bulb is OK)
> 
> Did I wire this stuff up off the wrong circuits to keep the ammeter and
> warning light working correctly?
> 
> Should I have pulled the power from somewhere else to make sure my ammeter
> and Warning light remain fully functional?  It would be pretty easy to move
> the power circuits to another location if needed to keep my gages and
> warning lights working right.
> 
> BTW - the fan draws 7 amps when running.
> 
> Thanks in advance.
> 
> Jack (electrically challenged) Brooks
> 1960 TR3A
> 1974 Norton 850 Commando
> Hillsdale, NJ

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