Ammeter needle pegged

[cdaubs]

Occasionally when starting, the ammeter needle pegs and sticks in the full Discharge position after the engine is running. If I tap the gauge, it comes loose and re-centers.

Any ideas why it is doing this? Doesn't always do it. Only sometimes. Weird.

Thanks.

[cactusman]

If the engine is just idling and you switch a large load on like the headlights then the needle will swing to discharge. The meter is crude and the movement not damped so the needle will usually swing further then needed and then settle back. Your meter movement may have some stickiness at extremes of movement so does not settle back. take the glass off and see if the needle rubs anywhere...very gentle bend back and if not then take the face plate out very carefully being careful not to bend the needle and see lf there is a hair or bit of dirt somewhere. The tiniest drop of oil may be...ideally clock oil but 3 in 1 would do....or just live with it as it ain't serious.