Right after starting, you'll probably see the ammeter peg out for a short time from the alternator replenishing the starter load. It probably won't hurt the ammeter, but if you're concerned about possible damage put a shunt between the ammeter terminals. A piece of moderate-resistance stainless steel such as the solid portion of a worm-drive radiator hose clamp can be formed into a horseshoe-shaped shunt. (Shape it like the "ohms" icon on an electrical diagram) Drill holes in the ends of the shunt so they will fit between the studs on the back of the ammeter. Most of the charge current will bypass the ammeter, and there will be enough flow through the meter to deflect the needle in the "charge" and "discharge" direction. The ammeter is very inaccurate to begin with, so it doesn't need to indicate actual current flow.
Jerry
