generator light vs amp gauge

[chadiusmax]

I have both an aftermarket amp gauge and a standard generator indicator light on the instrument panel. The amp gauge reads 14 amps and the generator light is ON. Any ideas how this is happening?

Thanks

[spencerforhire]

14 sounds more like a volt gauge reading than amps. Most ammeters read from -60-0-+60 amps, while a volt gauge usually reads 0-20 volts. The "gen" light normally only comes on when the alternator is not working. Need more info- Year, make, model? Has the engine been changed(V8 swap)? Do you have an aftermarket "1-wire" alternator?

[chadiusmax]

Hi Spencer,

You are right it is a volt gauge. (i wrote the initial message while i was pretty tired)

It is actually my 1977 chev 3/4 ton crew cab with this problem, but i figured since it was all 1977 GM it was good, since electronics were fairly straight forward back then

350 V8 brand new battery SUB ZERO 850 CCA
Delco Remy alternator with two wires feeding into a plastic clip and a red wire with a fusilbe link that i think goes to the starter.

This wire on the starter also has a bit of a problem, instead of an O the connector looks like a C, part of it having broken off somehow. could this be the issue?

Chad

[spencerforhire]

Y
Like pretty well every other 70's Gm vehicle, your truck's electrical system isn't much different than that of a Vega.The 2 large red wire from the alternator both go on the large terminal of the starter with the battery cable, and the 3rd smaller wire(white or brown) is for the "GEN" light in the cluster. When the alternator is charging, there should be voltage on this wire which will keep the light off. When the alternator is not functioning, there will be ground on the wire and the light will be on. So as long as everything is hooked up properly and you have no blown fuses, the light should not be on if the volt gauge reads between 13-15 volts. A€ quick check would be to unplug the 2-pin connector from the alternator and check to see if there's power on the small wire with the key on.