"Michael Bremer" writes:

Well...I guess I should have given more info, sorry.

It is a Piper Cherokee 180 (1968). We are talking about an alternator
(pretty sure it is a Chrysler). The ammeter shows total load as opposed to
charge/discharge. I also have a volt meter which shows steady at all RPM
and loads.

Actually total alternator OUTPUT, *not* load. {At least in any 12vdc
electrical system I've seen...} If the load exceeds available
alternator capacity, it draws from the battery.

When I turn on the light the meter rises. It appears to be a stock meter

As you'd expect -- more load, mode demand, more output...

that doesn't have a lot of numbers, basically "0" on the left, "30" in the
center and "60" on the right. If I extrapolate/interpolate/guesstimate the
readings, it is about 45-50 amps with everything turned on at idle RPM. At
takeoff power, the needle swings as fat to the righ as it will travel. As
the power is reduced, the needle settles back to the same 40-50 area.

So the alternator is putting out 60A at TO rpm. That part sounds OK
-- part of that 60A is supplying the lighting load, fuel pumps,
avionics, whatever; the rest is recharging the battery from the
drain of starting, and other past deficits.

My only question: is that ~50A load rational? You can add up the
numbers and see...

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