Move the shunt
The shunt should go between the output side of the master relay and your main bus (not including the starter). You are probably seeing the unswitched battery current through the input resistors of the shunt amplifier inside the guage. Plus the guage circuitry itself consumes some power.
Also, its not good if the inputs have voltage but the power is off the (+) power lead. Depending on the input circuit, that could cause heavier drains or even let the smoke out.
I don't have skiz of the ammeter internals but have traced out the fuel guage and can send if you want. (If I can find it). Its a 270 deg meter driver with an amplifier to scale the fuel sensor to swing the needle. I would assume the ammeter would be similar with a different front end (a simple difference amp to drive the meter chip)
BTW There have been several lively discussions on the forum regarding shunt placement and how it affects what gets measured.. Might want to search for some of those as well.
Have fun.
John.
__________________
John Oldenkamp
RV-7A project for sale 
VAF Paid 2018
Last edited by lucky333 : 11-25-2006 at 09:28 AM.
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