Britbike forum Forums British Motorcycle specific Brands Triumph bulletin board Ammeter Question

Until today, whenever the key was turned ON on my '70 Daytona, the ammeter would show a slight discharge. However, at present there is no movement of the needle when turning on the key and no juice to the lights and elsewhere.

However, when the key is OFF, there are 12V on each of the ammeter poles, yet when the key is ON, there is no voltage to either pole?
And, when the key is OFF, there are 12V at one of the poles of key switch, yet with the key ON, there is no voltage at any of the 3 poles.

Has my ammeter given up the ghost (of Lucas) or does this indicate some other problem?

Can I simply bypass the ammeter and connect the two pole wires together?

Wiring is stock, positive ground, Tympanum fitted, points ignition.

Thanks in advance for any help.

I just put both wires on the same post.

your battery is dead . ( weak battery voltage disappears under load )

Thanks for the help.

Found the problem - ground wire under seat has rotted away

Playing around with bikes for a lifetime has taught me that if you encounter an electrical issue that is particularly confounding, add a ground wire!

SR

Yep, and that also applies to modern, computer controlled cars.