increasing 706 generator output

Is there a way without changing to an alternator, to increase the charging output of my 706 generator?
I think they are rated at 20 amps which isn"t very high at all! I know I can increase the volts but I"m looking for generator amp output increase.
Thanks!

The output of a genny is increased EITHER by turning it faster ORRRRRRR pumping more amps through its Field windings, but thats what the VR regulates. Since you cant spin it faster (unless you change pulleys) the VR is what regulates the Field current buttttttttttt even if you by pass the VR's regulation by dead grounding the gennys FLD post (max charge) then youre up against the gennys max unregulated rating which, if exceeded, (say you make it pump out 25 versus 20 amps) may eventually overheat n damge the fields or armature !!!!!!!!

The limiting factor is the gennys rating and heat dissipation capacity so say you use a smaller genny pulley and dead ground its field sure you may get more out of it butttttttttt for how long before its toast??????? If you wanan get less drastic you might try n adjust the VR's field current control relay (air gaps and/or spring tensions) but im not into advising that over the net, Bob or Jim might be able to, I have like NO specs or data here.

In the meantime,,,,,,,,good tight non glazed belt,,,,,,,good non dished out pulley,,,,good battery and grounds and connections,,,,,, are my best non fool with the VR advice

John T

I agree The way to toast a genny is to over amp it. In cool wether it would make maybe 25 amps or 30 amps, but that will not do in warm conditions. There are generators that make more than this and will work, not stock. Why not do the small alternator and change it back if it is in a parade. Old automotive repair (Motors or Chiltens manual from the mid to late 50s will have the regulator adjustment processes (do it at the risk of grief and dispare, it took 4 weeks of auto tech classes to get saturated with the needed knowledge on the adjustment of a regulator. Generators are not self limiting, and can toast in less than 30 seconds throwing solder and smoke every where. JimN

Here's how Briggs & Stratton say to do it for cold weather use. See if your regulator has the same terminals. Hal

I'm with JimN and John T! By tinkering with the current limiting relay inside the voltage regulator you can dramatically increase generator amp output beyond design spec. However operating it this way is a sure recipe for a generator burnout.

Better to replace the generator with a higher output generator or with an alternator.

However before doing suggest you check ALL the wiring in the generator output circuit: generator ARM to regulator GEN, regulator BAT to ammeter, and ammeter to battery. Even a tiny resistance - less than 0.1 ohm - anywhere in this circuit will seriously limit generator output.

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FWIW we had an early 60's IHC farm dump that would never charge more than about 15 amps from its 45 amp generator. Replacing generator and regulator made no improvement. Only after removing the instrument panel, discovering an overheated (thus indicating high resistance...) wiring terminal behind the ammeter and replacing it did the problem disappear.

If you can find a 12volt Delco car or truck generator from the days before alternators, I think they will fit and put out up to 30 or 35 amps with the right size pulley. They are not enclosed so they cool better but don't like the dust as well. Check with carquest or NAPA for a 57 chevvy. They may know the rated output also.

Hal, those combination Starter/Generators used to start small engines have higher current rated field windings then regular old generators that only draw like 2 to 6 amps of field current. Im unsure if he has a 3 terminal VR or a 4 that even has the extra L Load terminal, but if he dead grounds his gennys FLD post thats the max charge he is gonna get short of using a smaller pulley.

Love this tricity chat best wishes n Merry Christmas

John T

I know you don't want to go to an alternator, but isn't the 06 series where IH switched over?

You'd be doing yourself a huge favor by swapping out that generator for an unregulated alternator with a much higher output. If you get an externally regulated alternator, I'm pretty sure you won't have to change the wiring or the regulator.

I see why a gen. conversion is soo popular, but I wnant to keep my tractor in stock condition.
It is a 63 and came with a generator which makes it kinda neet! I guess I'll rebuild it and keep it. Anyone know where I can get brushes and stuff for a Farmall generator?

The regulator is different. With a gen it grounds the field. An alt needs juice to make it work.

NAPA This site, and CaseIH JimN

Thanks guys, and have a Merry Christmas!

Yup, it's a Delco Generator AFAIK. Common as snow in Buffalo.