How many peak amps do our trucks draw?

[torq]

I want to get an ammeter for my 2001 PSD. I need to know roughly what the maximum number of amps is that our trucks draw from both batteries.

I'm visualizing putting a shunt like this in series between the primary battery's positive terminal and the truck: Shunt, 250 amp, 50 mv Deltec

Then installing an ammeter like this:
Meter, Ammeter, 0-250 amp

I can get an ammeter up to around 1200 amps for the same price. With the shunt it'll be around $108 which seems like a great price to know when the glowplugs are on and what the battery drain is at any time.

But I need to know the maximum amps the truck draws which is probably when the glowplugs are on and the starter motor is turning over.

Any help is appreciated!!!

Mark.

[late_99_PSD]

Upwards of about 5-700, depending on how well your battery is charged. Spec is like 250-600 on a fully charged battery.

[late_99_PSD]

Ok, Diesel, normal load, 230-630 amps, thats mitchell's spec's for starter current draw.

[coot1]

I just ran my ammeter in parrallel with the wire going from the altenator to the battery. The battery cable itself can act as a shunt. I used a 30 amp ammeter at first and it would peg out when cranking. I switched to a 60 amp and it reads about 40 amps when cranking. It is not an accurate reading but it gives me an indication of when the glow plugs are on or when it is charging or not. Be sure to fuse both ends of your wire. I used 2 12 awg wires in parrallel to the ammeter and fused them at 50 amps

[tekemp]

Originally Posted by coot1

I just ran my ammeter in parrallel with the wire going from the altenator to the battery. The battery cable itself can act as a shunt. I used a 30 amp ammeter at first and it would peg out when cranking. I switched to a 60 amp and it reads about 40 amps when cranking. It is not an accurate reading but it gives me an indication of when the glow plugs are on or when it is charging or not. Be sure to fuse both ends of your wire. I used 2 12 awg wires in parrallel to the ammeter and fused them at 50 amps

thats a good way to do it if, only problem is your only looking at alternator output which in my opinion is not an accurate amp draw on the hole system but can may diag on the alternator easy.

OP if you run that equipment on the negative terminal of the main battery that will give you a good ball park of amperage draw throughout the hole system.