:)howziit guys!
sorry for responding late, but i just got on-board, and decided to put my 2 cents in.
methinks that there is nothing wrong, per se, in these symptoms.
the ammeter reads ZERO, just sitting still. NORMAL.
ammeter reads heavy DISCHARGE, when headlights are on. NORMAL.
ammeter reads HIGH OVERCHARGING, when engine is revved. NORMAL.
i was just reading the instructions on my PAINLESS WIRING kit. they did not recommend wiring an ammeter into the system...if using a 65+amp alternator.(I wonder why?)
you are experiencing SHOCKING readings on your original ammeter, which only meters 20AMPS...charging or discharging.
your 20-0-20 ammeter is trying to measure output of a 65+amp alternator...hence the high reading.
the power draw of headlights is proportionally higher, on a 20-amp scale...hence the high-discharge reading.
if you were to install an aftermarket 60-0-60 ammeter, the DISCHARGE-OVERCHARGE readings would seem more NORMAL.
that's why PAINLESS WIRING does not recommend ammeters wired into the circuit.
FWIW, you might have some difficulty FINDING an aftermarket ammeter. though, for some reason, VOLTMETERS are readily available.
don't worry about frying your battery. if everything else is up to par, the REGULATOR ensures that this does not happen.
regarding your voltage reducer, the most important thing is if it's allowing the correct 6 volts to the gauge, or any original electrical item in question.
you can check this with a simple volt-ohm meter, testing one lead to the gas gauge, one to ground.
if 12 volts(or ZERO volts) are there, the resistor is kaput.if less than 6 volts, the resistor is too large. if greater than 6 volts, the resistor is too small.
the best resistors are the adjustable ones; with gas gauge and voltmeter lead on-line, you just turn the resistor's knob, until...VOILA! 6 VOLTS!
BTW,i don't think you have any electrical shorts. if there were no fuses to blow, the wiring would overheat, and cause an electrical fire.
you can buy the volt-ohm meter, the buzzer tester, the light probe, an audio oscillator(aka signal generator,beeper or toner)and matching probe, at your local electronics supply store.
me...the phone company let me keep all my tools...when i retired. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
i'm no professional; just my two cents' worth.
