chorusguy 222 #1 Posted June 19, 2023 Just got my c160 up and running. I rewired the tractor as per diagram with the exception of wiring accessories. Runs great, however....I noticed there were random sparks flashing all around the amp meter mounting plate today. In the meanwhile I have disconnected the negative battery cable. Any help would be welcome. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 63,210 #2 Posted June 19, 2023 Remove the ammeter. Remove its mounting plate. Clean ALL connection points. Reinstall. Recheck. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chorusguy 222 #3 Posted June 19, 2023 20230619_141524_1.mp4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 63,210 #4 Posted June 19, 2023 After watching the video I'm going to surmise that it isn't actually the ammeter that's the problem. I still think it's background but I believe it to be related to your voltage regulator instead. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chorusguy 222 #5 Posted June 19, 2023 #ebinmaine. Is the sparking due to the ammeter not being grounded well? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 63,210 #6 Posted June 19, 2023 1 minute ago, chorusguy said: #ebinmaine. Is the sparking due to the ammeter not being grounded well? Voltage regulator I think but yes. I'm the last few years I've rebuilt a few wiring harnesses and I've gotten into the habit of running a ground specifically to the VR itself. I also use almost exclusively new bolts and washers. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ineedanother 1,365 #7 Posted June 20, 2023 I can see the bolts moving in the vid, or at least the one on the right. I think that could explain a bad ground. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chorusguy 222 #8 Posted June 20, 2023 Wow! Great catch! I'll wrench them down. Thanks 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 6,378 #9 Posted June 20, 2023 Both of the terminals on the back of the ammeter should be isolated from the tractor frame. There should be continutiy between the terminals. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 63,210 #10 Posted June 20, 2023 7 hours ago, chorusguy said: Wow! Great catch! I'll wrench them down. Thanks I'd highly recommend going a step further and replacing both bolts while you have the ammeter/VR mount plate out for cleaning and paint removal where the bolts are. Star washers would help as well. They bite in a little. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chorusguy 222 #11 Posted June 23, 2023 Thanks once again. Both bolts were loose. The metal was bare underneath, so snugging them up did the trick. Very grateful for the knowledge you all share 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 63,210 #12 Posted June 23, 2023 16 minutes ago, chorusguy said: Thanks once again. Both bolts were loose. The metal was bare underneath, so snugging them up did the trick. Very grateful for the knowledge you all share Excellent. Glad to help!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jon Paulsen 282 #13 Posted June 23, 2023 It was trying to weld itself in place Glad to see it was an easy fix fer yah! 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,072 #14 Posted June 24, 2023 @chorusguy easy to make up some ground wires / serated washers / dielectric grease . your problem should be an easy fix. pete 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,503 #15 Posted June 24, 2023 The cause of the sparking is the voltage regulator. Shows how important it is to have the body of the regulator grounded. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
