Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I reciently pulled the generator, starter and other driver side parts in order to clean and paint those and the block. After I reassembled all parts I started the car and noticed the amp gauge was indicating a charge in the opposite (discharge) direction. I flashed the system as I've done many times before, but to no avail. I checked the generator and it was producing between 6.3 and 7.8 volts depending on idle or higher RPM and the battery does recharge. Not sure why the ammeter is reading discharge instead of charge. Everything works as normal other than the ammeter. The ammeter no longer indicates a drain when the lights or signals are turn on. Any ideas?

Was the car ever hooked up with the battery grounded negative or was it accidentally reversed when you put it back together after the painting? Reversing the ammeter wires is one of the things that has to be done when a cars polarity is intentionally changed. If it had been changed and that had been done some time in the past it would read incorrectly now if it is currently hooked up properly. Same thing if it is now backwards. If you are confident the battery is recharging and no issues are seen anywhere then reversing the ammeter wires is the most likely option to make it read correctly again.

No hookup issues and its still set up as a positive ground. I've never seen this before and im totally befuddled. Has anyone seen a ammeter re polarize itself? Thanks for the suggestions.