Ammeter / oil pressure gauge readings - What should we see on the ammeter if eve

[Anonymous]

I've been driving my new P6 2200TC (1974) for a couple of weeks now. When I got it the battery, (less than three years old) was knackered, so I bought a new one. Everything is running smoothly now, but I'd like to be sure that things will stay this way. The Ammeter dial points nearly vertically downwards, and only very slightly to the negetive side of the dial. (A reading of about -3, I guess) There is no surge when the key is turned initially. Is this OK?

Also, the oil pressure is always around 30, except at start-up, when it takes a few seconds to reach 30.

Am I safe, or should I start worrying?

 

[ianp6man]

hi,
the gauge should sit vertical even on start up. to test if the gauge is working, with engine running turn everything electrically on, lights, blower, hazards etc and the gauge will temporarily go negative as you are using the charge from the battery. then rev your engine and it should go over to positive to let you know that it is charging the battery ( providing your alternator is working ) your oil pressure gauge will read zero with engine off and go up to what ever yours is running at and stay there. i have had loads of them and all the gauges read different, it is nothing to worry about.