[mickmate]

Take a look at the ammeter, they are what 50 or 60 amps? You don't want 100 amps going through that thing. The ammeters I have replaced I disconnect the feed wire to them and replace it with a suitably rated wire to feed the ignition and other electricals and make sure it's well insulated at connections. The voltmeter connects to anything that is live with the ignition on, it's really that easy. Some good points already mentioned on diagnosing your current set up, start there. I think the alternator should be putting out more like 13.8 volts if you're testing it, does your ammeter give you any indication of what's going on?