IH Super M Generator question

I have a '54 SMTA that I was given to me as a gift a couple of years ago (it was a fairly large stocking stuffer but a great gift nonetheless). It runs great except for the charging system. That has always been a source of trouble since I've had it. We had the generator pulled off and tested and NAPA said the generator was OK. So, Dad and I being the curious people that we are, we did the absolute wrong thing and got to playing around the voltage regulator with a screwdriver (FYI: That's not a smart thing to do when you don't know what you're doing). Anyway, while the tractor was running Dad connected something that made the generator howl like a banshee. Ovbiously, that didn't make the tractor charge.

Would anyone know what we caused to the system or how it could scream like that? Are there some checks that I can do to verify whether I've completely screwed the generator? When I checked the system with a multimeter, I don't get charge at all. Looking back, the system probably just wasn't polarized or properly grounded but I have a feeling that we caused some other problems. I learned the hard way that it's a smart idea to do your homework on problems before you tinker with screwdrivers.

I'm going to have to put my game face on and tackle this problem because I'd like to use the M to do some baling.

Thanks for you help,
Chad

A suggestion: If you messed with any of the adjustments inside the regulator get rid of it and install a new one (regulator settings are fussy and hard to get right even when you know what you are doing...) And if the regulator's more than a few years old it probably needs replacing anyway.

Good luck!!

• generator troubleshooting chart

I have to say that I've read quite a few of your posts over a wide range of topics during the past year and they have proven to be very helpful.

Thanks a bunch.

Chad

Forget to mention in my previous reply: If you're in a hurry to get bailing, simply slip the belt off the generator. So long as the battery is good and is fully charged when you begin, it should run the tractor ignition 8 - 10+ hours without the generator working. Then at the end of the day put it on a charger and let it recharge overnite. To get maximum run time minimize use of the starter, and DON'T use the lights!

Good luck!