Regulator/alternator advice

wallacedw · Jun 10, 2008

I lost a terminal off the regulator the other day washingn the tractor. So this is a follow on...
The tractor starts and runs good but constantly shows a positive charge. I read somewhere that the regulator will lessen the charge into the points after the tractor is warmed up and all. So I am thinking that it won't since the terminal is rusted off. The regulator on the tractor looks similar to the one in the manual... 3 on one side and one by itself on a different side but it isnt exactly alike. By looking at the book, I think the one that is rusted off is the "Gen" which is supposed to go to the 'A' terminal on the alternator...

What is that wire doing? Regulating the power going to the points or too the battery or am I just out in left field?

Also.. if I can solder a new terminal to the regulator, will that work?

Bob · Jun 10, 2008

With the labeling of the terminals you've posted, it sounds as if you have a GENERATOR, rather than an alternator. (Or perhaps the old regulator was left in place a s aterminal block when an alternator was installed)?

Either way, the purpose of a regulator is to limit the charging CURRENT for the protection of the generator, and the charging VOLTAGE to the requirements of the battery.

(Of course, if you have battery ignition, the ignition system (points, as you say) is along for the ride, and gets whatever votlage the charging system is feeding the battery.)

Let's start by figuring out what you have:

<img src = "http://brillman.com/images/ALTERNATOR%207127SEF.jpg">

Photo of a (common) Delco alternator.

<img src = "http://www.tntwebdevelopment.com/tff/images/SA/generator.jpg">

Photo of a typical IH (Delco) generator and regulator.

Janicholson · Jun 10, 2008

I agree with Bob. You probably have a Delco generator (old technology with brushes and an external, square looking, regulator.
There are two wires connected to the generator.
A Gen terminal that connects with a #10 wire,
and a F (or Field) terminal that connects to the F terminal on the Gen, it is smaller #12 wire.
The third wire goes from the Bat terminal on the reg, to the non battery side of the amp gauge, it is #10
The fourth wire goes from the L terminal on the reg to the Light switch power input.

A gen/regulator system will always show a bit of charging 1 to 4 amps when the tractor is running above 1/3 throttle. less engine RPM will show less charge till it stops charging at Idle.

Tell us which system you have. JimN

wallacedw · Jun 10, 2008

Guess I put it wrong... Basically what I described was the manual's regulator.. I have a 12 volt system. It is an alternator, I will get into it and get a brand name. I need to get another digital camera.... I sure appreciate the responses. New tractor owner so I am a bit inexperienced as to descriptions.

John M · Jun 11, 2008

Just wondering if you are using an alternator with an external regualtor?

mkirsch · Jun 11, 2008

John, it sounds like he doesn't know the answer to that question...

By the description of his problem, I would say yes, he almost certainly does have an alternator with an external regulator.

wallacedw, the tractor's owner's manual is not going to help you here because the wiring is no longer stock. Simply replace the broken regulator with another 12V regulator, and things will go back to normal.

Tractor regulators are pretty much universal, all look the same, and have the same connections. Take yours off the tractor, go to NAPA and get one that looks the same.

Make 100% SURE that you have a 12V system, though. If you put the wrong regulator on, you will have problems.

Regulator/alternator advice

wallacedw

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Bob

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Janicholson

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wallacedw

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John M

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mkirsch

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