Charging System Troubleshooting

[charris135]

Hi again all,

As I have continued to delve into restoring the tractor I inherited I have discovered that my charging system is not working. I'm only getting 6.2 volts to the battery with the engine running. I'm going to follow the generator/voltage regulator troubleshooting diagram in an effort to pinpoint the exact issue. I don't have an account of how this tractor was operated in the past. With that in mind, I have to assume the worst and that whatever issue exists has existed for some time and that the tractor has been running under these conditions. So that brings me to my specific question: if in a worst case scenario the generator is damaged, what are my options? Is it ok to run the tractor as is and trickle charge the battery as necessary? Will the engine run properly with an improperly functioning charging system? Thank you folks. I'm completely new to electrical wiring. I know that my first steps are to check the ground, and polarize the generator but I'm trying to think ahead and form a worst case scenario game-plan.

[ScottyD'sdad]

once started, a cub uses very little power. Should be able to get multiple days out of a fully charged battery, as long as you don't start and stop it a lot.

Ed

[tst]

what year is the tractor

[charris135]

what year is the tractor

1961

[tst]

follow the flow chart, will help you find why its not charging remember its a 6 volt POSITIVE ground system, and polarize it 1st

[Don McCombs]

If the generator is defective, it can be repaired/rebuilt.

[charris135]

Well friends, I screwed the proverbial pooch. I sheared off the bolt for the F terminal on the generator, while tightening it down.

[ntrenn]

All is not lost, as almost every part of these starters and generators is still available. If you can find a real rebuild shop, expect to spend north of $100 to rebuild it. A 12v mini alternator is as low as $40, so unless you are stuck on being original, consider that option. You’ll need to change bulbs, but little else.