Charging problem driving me crazy

Paul Shuler · Apr 12, 2010

I have a charging problem I have been dealing with for about 3 years on my Farmall H. Had the gen redone a few years ago and all was good. Since then I have gone through a handfull of VRs. But now it's quit again and I took it back to the shop that rebuilt the gen and when they put it on the bench it charges just fine. When I put it back on the tractor it will charge a idle but as soon I run the idle up to mow the gauge starts bouncing wildly all over the place then it quits charghing. If I turn on the lights it shows a discharge as it should. If I un wire the gen and hook it up it will charge all day as long as long as I dont run the idle up. The shop that did the genny for a hefty price said they would be happy to look at it but they don't do anything cheap. Any Ideas. If I have to take it to their shop I'm sure I could do a 12v conversion for less than what those ole boys are going to charge me. Nice weather but dead batterys here in MO.
Paul

El Toro · Apr 12, 2010

I would go to 12 volts using an alternator. Hal

Bob · Apr 12, 2010

HEY! That's CHEATING!

Joe Kimbriel · Apr 12, 2010

Hi Paul

Something is crazy. I"ve never seen a generator charge at idle. Or maybe your idle is a 1000 rpm.
Whats up? If anything it should be discharging if the regulator or cut out isn"t working properly. I have generators 6 and 12 that work fine as long as they are wired right. Search here for wiring diagram and check your connections.

Joe

Anonymous-0 · Apr 12, 2010

Your Genny gas a short in the Armeture. That causes the bouncing of the amp needle and all the rest of the problems and the many regulator replacements.

Jeff Z. · Apr 12, 2010

No that's a reliable charging system.
It's called progress.

Janicholson · Apr 12, 2010

Use a diferent amp gauge on the system. YOur gauge could be either failing, or not dampened properly. If it stops charging, maybe it should be not charging (battery full)
Tests: All with fully charged battery
Run it at 1/3 throttle (lights off) so the gauge shows charge steady as you have stated. Put an analog (Needle type) meter across the battery. Reading should be 6.8 to 7.3 volts (about)
Run at full throttle with lights off.
Should read 7.2 to 7. 4 (about)
If it stops charging, check the voltage again across the battery. If still at 7.2 to 7.4 all is well, and the regulator is working correctly.
(you should not over fill the battery, and it should go back to near zero charge rate.
If the needle swings radically as before, and the voltage is good, I would then use a different amp meter to see if it is a defective meter dampening. If the bat volts go back to 6.5 to 6.6 when the needle goes back to near zero, then there is an open in the system. You should be able to find a faulty VR ground, or a bad connection because it is not working. Please let us know your progress. Jim

Bob M · Apr 12, 2010

Hey Paul -

In addition to the advice offered below take a look at your generator. If it has an adjustable 3rd brush (which all but the last production generators do) try setting the 3rd brush to its minimum current setting. Ie. reset the brush far as possible from the nearest fixed brush.

I've run into similar problem similar to yours when a regulator is wired to a 3rd brush generator set for maximum current output. Reducing the generator's maximum current cleared it up.

Bob M

Paul Shuler · Apr 12, 2010

Thank you for all the tips. I will try your suggestions and see what I find out. May be Sat before I can check it out. Got and new grand daughter that loves her paw paw time and so do I.

Dave H (MI) · Apr 12, 2010

So is a 6v system if you have the knowledge and ability to keep it running.

Wayne in MN · Apr 12, 2010

Make sure the generator & regulator are grounded to each other with a jumper wire & re-test.

If the problem persists, take the generator AND regulator to the shop so they can test them as a set.

Jeff Z. · Apr 12, 2010

Thatss the problem with them.
Need too much knowledge and ability.
Alternators give you more time driving and less time fixing.

mkirsch · Apr 12, 2010

Generators are not hard iffffffff you have John T's troubleshooting guide.

I used his troubleshooting guide, determined in 3 minutes that I had a bad VR. Replaced the VR. It's been charging like a champ ever since.

MN Scott · Apr 12, 2010

I eliminated the last generator on my Farmalls 8 years ago and converted them to 12 volt alternator. I haven't touched a charging system on them since and my battery's are always fully charged. I put the little Hitachi alternators under the hood. Fit great and you have to really look to see them being hid under the hood.

NDS · Apr 12, 2010

And the time and the patience.

Dave H (MI) · Apr 12, 2010

Hmmm...me thinks your seat is too comfy. I can't believe that on a tractor forum NOBODY else will defend a 6 volt system??? I guess when I take these two little Farmalls back to 6 volt parts ought to be REAL CHEAP!

Owen Aaland · Apr 12, 2010

You can switch to an alternator and keep your 6 volt battery if you use a 10SI with a 6 volt regulator. If you go that route, if you later want to go to 12 volt all that is required in the alternator is to replace the regulator.

Tom Fleming · Apr 12, 2010

Hmmmm, yet another topic to add to the list:

#1 What is the best spark plug
#2 What oil do I use
#3 6 volt vs. 12 volt, generator vs. alternator.

I didn't remember seeing if the gen/VR was properly polarized. If not, it should be done any time you replace the VR or rebuild the genny........

as always, IMHO.

Jeff Z. · Apr 13, 2010

More time fishing, less time fixing. LOL

Allan from PA · Apr 13, 2010

Had a similar problem on my AV. Tracked the problem down to a bad ground from field in light switch box. Good grounds and clean connections are important on 6V systems. Mine works good now with no problems. Any time the battery is disconnected I always polarize the generator, doesn"t hurt. Allan.

NDS · Apr 13, 2010

Take it out and run it 60 hours/week for a year and report back.

gene bender · Apr 14, 2010

I would start with an OHM meter. Hook one lead to battery pos gnd post and then check All componets in the system to make sure you have a good ground. Knob on the lite sw,regulator and generator.

Charging problem driving me crazy

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