Are all Ammeters cr@p?

[mikeb]

I put a new ammeter on the a10 5-ish years back and within a month the needle was jumping around so vigorously it was near unreadable. the displayed current was more to do with engine revs and harmonics than charging amps. So much so that when my charging system died this weekend I didn't even notice until trying to ride at night. arrg! i had to follow along in the beam of an electraglide which was a sad moment for our marque (but at least its rider also owns an a10).

I talked to another bsa owner today who had similar ammeter experiences. the one I got says 'Lucas England' on its face and came in the lucas green box.

Are they all this bad? Any ideas on where to find a decent one? and, given the lack of meaningful branding and the abundance of rubbish, how to tell? preferably with some dampening and likely to last more than 5 minutes.

Thanks

[Triton Thrasher]

I’ve had good service from an Indian Enfield ammeter, for about 20 years in a Triton, but the headlight shell is rubber mounted.  The ammeter is slightly bigger diameter than old Lucas.

You’re safer getting a digital voltmeter, to be honest.

[a101960]

No, they are not all bad. You have been unlucky in your choice of purchase. Can't recall where I bought mine, but it indicates smoothly and reliably. Green Lucas box indicates Wassell who have been licensed to use the Lucas brand name. Genuine old Lucas stock would have been in red and black packaging.

[Greybeard]

I cannot read my ammeter when riding; it's on the side of the headlamp cowl. I fitted a gizmo inside the cowl that shows a tri-colour led, (green for charge, red for discharge, amber for no current). It glows through the clear plastic of the ammeter body.

Here is an example of the device:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-6v-LED-Battery-Level-Indicator-Voltmeter-Alternator-charge-warning-lamp-J-/192378304662?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

[JulianS]

I think ammeters can suffer badly from vibration, especially the ones with the needle above the face. The later type with needle below the face, like the first photo, are a bit more robust. These came in, with 8 -8 face with the A65 in 1962 and, according to Lucas, fitted on the Super Rocket and RGS for 1963 season.

If you turn this later one over and probably remove some sealant (photo 2), you find the little screw in photo 3, which may, if screwed in carefully provide some damping for the needle and stop it going all over the place. Screw it in too far and it locks up, but worth a try might extend its like and nothing to loose if you think it is unservicable?

With the earlier type there is also a little screw, photo 3.

These photos are from real old Lucas ammeters, I dont know if the new lucas have the screws.

[RogerSB]

I posted this way back but this shows not all ammeters are what they seem.
(You need to click photo to enlarge it and you can see Royal Enfield under printed). The ammeter came in a green Lucas box.

Rog.

[mikeb]

thanks for the comments and suggestion.
i think i have an old lucas ammeter somewhere with the needle broken so may see if i can find it, dissemble and stick on a new needle. then dampen the movement.
failing that, maybe try and fill the existing rubbish one with some clear mineral oil (as per written about elsewhere).
failing that, just buy another random unknown modern item and hope its better than the last.
and failing that consider digital, but would rather not. maybe just a light to show if its charging or not.

cheers

[Greybeard]

.... just a light to show if its charging or not.

Indeed. Those LED devices are clever and can be fitted unobtrusively

[BSA_54A10]

If you drill a small hole in the side of the shell uoi can fill them with oil.
This damps out the vibrations and a lot of marine instruments ae oil filler, well were before they all went digital

[Rex]

And if you drill a hole in the top, it won't all leak out again...
Not strictly true, as the cases aren't always sealed now anyway.
I've bought three identical ammeters from Feked, and on each  the top rim (which the chrome bezel is crimped to) came away and lifted like the gold pocket watch Lee van Cleef had in the "The Good the Bad and Ugly".
Needless to say, Feked wouldn't entertain refunds.

[a101960]

Bare in mind too that "Made in England" is totally misleading. There is a legal loophole that allows things to be sourced from anywhere and labeled "Made in England" if it was packed in the UK. So, as always do your research before buying.