Okay, new FA 140 thread, electrical ??

Okay, approx 1967 Farmall 140 (serial #354XX), and it runs great; but the battery drains overnight. Battery is in horrible shape and I will replace that first; but assuming a drain somewhere, what is the most common cause for a discharging battery on these units when left outside for over ten years? It was used weekly, but still sat out and the switches, starter button, and wires are rusted and weathered. The light switch just doesn't work anymore.

The generator seems to put out plenty of juice as it will run forever once started, and with a jury-rigged switch, the lights are bright while running. The regulator looks like it hasn't been touched in over ten years. Any tips? Thanks.
Dave

1) 12 V alternator, neg grnd
2) new wiring
3) electronic ignition
4) flame thrower coil
5) opened spark plug gaps from .025 to .045

No problems since.

Being the paranoid type, I'll replace the battery just for the security of a new one and the warranty for a year or two.

John, how do I assume that there is a drain? Well, it would just be par for the course with my luck. Assume the worst, and be tickled with anything less. I will pull all the nuts on posts, inspect and clean for good ground. I already bought a new pos and neg cable, since the leads were sketchy at best.

I was just curious if there was a fault that folks with more experience than me, have seen over and over with tractors that sat out for years.

Should have seen me driving that thing home 10 miles in the cold. Ignoring the frozen snot, you wouldn't believe the grin on my face all the way back!! Thanks.
dave

Since the 6 volt genertor was still working I set it aside as a spare for my SA. I put a new 6 volt battery in the SA and within two weeks both generators were toast. I took my two generators and off to a rebuilder I go. I told him I have a new 6 volt battery, thus it has to be 6 volt and it has to be quick. He turned to me, said, "Quick with those old generators will be 2 weeks as I don't have the parts on hand, plus it will be 3 times the money of a new 6 volt alternator. Quick with the alternator will be 5 minutes, as all I need do is change the internal regulator."

Those two tractors have basically been 15 years trouble free since. The 130 did require a second alternator however that was caused by a short in the wiring harness. That new 6 volt battery in my SA was there for 13 years. I never got that kind of service from a battery in my life. Back years ago I had as many as 4 of these tractors on the go, and I always had a bushel of points, condensers, rotors, coils, caps, voltage regulators, etc., much of it, I thought too good to throw out. I was constantly tinkering with these tractors trying to keep electrical systems working, all the way from lights, generator, regulator, battery, ign, etc. you name it, trouble was the name of the game.

Personally if I were you I'd completely rewire the tractor, go for new switches and do it for 12 volt alternator, positive ground.

For me gone is that bananna box of used electrical parts that might be good enough in a pinch. I usually go to CaseIH once per year to pick up items like oil filters, few ign parts, etc. just too have on hand. Usually I'm on the road when I find myself having time for that visit, thus my own inventory is from memory. I find myself now, with 3 tractors, 8 new sets of points and condencers, 4 new rotors, 3 new caps and other assorted new items. I had so many years of lugging this stuff home, I can't get out of the lug parts home mode. Just the greatest problem one could have.

Now, if I've talked you into an alternator, John is much better on the wiring than I, although I expect you can got directly to that alternator diagram in your manual. I can help you with the alternator mount, it is very easy to install a GM Delco on a 140. The trick is get it placed so it's within an inch of engine block. Did you notice, I never suggested changing the voltage, nor would I, either way.

Once you get the switches fixed and a good battery post back if you need troubleshooting tips in case any of the charging system isnt workign n we will go from there. You need to insure good grounds on the genny and regulator since its set n rusted.

Let us know

John T

You'll need to replace those switches anyhow, you may as well do it. It could be the battery drain is in the switches or the wiring harness. I'll have to do a bit more detailed reading, but isn't that tractor already 12 volt. I have the IH Blue Ribbon Service manual and serial number 26801 to 45000 shows a 12 volt battery in diagram.

140 started off as 6 volt positive ground and ended in 79 as 12 volt alternator negative ground. There were 3 changes in electrical during 140 production, and this manual contain diagrams for all 4 systems. It changed at 26801, then 45001, then 57723. Only up to 26800 shows 6 volt battery. The other three systems show 12 volt battery.

If you want a diagram send me a fax number or mailing address. If you have the proper operator's manual for your tractor, it should contain a wiring diagram for that specific system.