Ford 850 converted to 12 volt alternator not charging.

Shealray · Oct 7, 2011

Ford 850 tractor converted to 12 volt system. The alternator is not charging the battery.
The tractor runs fine the switch can turn off power allowing the push button to start.
We have I believe an original solenoid. 1 post for power, 1 post for ground and 1 small post in the middle. There is a 3 poll key switch and a new ground starter push button. The alternator has two wires.
We are able to get key switch to turn off and on power. Push Button switch works in neutral to start tractor and the tractor runs great.
Battery is new along with cables.

The alternator has 2 wires, 1 alternator wire is connected to the positive side of the 1 post solenoid where the positive battery cable is connected. The other wire of the alternator is connected to the 3 post switch post also connecting the coil.

So I am guessing the second alternator cable is not connected in the correct place.

Please advice how a 2 wire alternator is wired in this situation and how to test it is charging.

Thank you for you help.

Sally

Bob · Oct 7, 2011

Is it a common Delco 10SI series alternator, by chance?

If so, it will look like this:

<img src = "http://www.gondtc.com/~blweltin/Bob/AlternatorHarness3.jpg">

If you do not wish to use a diode it can be replaced by an "idiot lamp" with a #194 lamp (or equivalent) or a 10 Ohm, 10 Watt resistor.

Post back if you have another type of alternator.

Shealray · Oct 7, 2011

I know this is class 101 for you the question is.

Why the fuse??????

This is the alternator I have.

THANK YOU

Shealray · Oct 7, 2011

Another question I have 3 post on the ignition switch. What do you mean by load side.

So after thinking is the idoit light to tell if generator is working when light is on?

Thanks for the beginner lessons.

Sally

Shealray · Oct 7, 2011

You refer 18-Ga wire going to load side of igintion switch, is that the key switch. If so how does the alternator get power to the battery?

We have this wire going to the selinoid on the battery positive side. We thought the alternator gave power to it that way??

Bob · Oct 7, 2011

FUSE???

Bob · Oct 7, 2011

Load side is the terminal that powers the ignition system and is switched on and off with the key.

This "idiot light" system works just like the alternator light in a car... "ON" = alternator not working.

Bob · Oct 7, 2011

18 GA wire from ignition switch is the "excite" wire that supplies current to get the alternator charging at startup through the idiot light, diode, or resistor.

The large (10GA) wire labeled "To junction block or ammeter would got to the battery cable side of the starter solenoid if no ammeter is being used. (Basically the "junction block" in your system.)

Shealray · Oct 7, 2011

SUPER Alternator class 101 works

We now know the alternator is bad and will buy a new one.

Your kindness will be rewarded.

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[b:c93e5348c4]The Dream Catcher[/b:c93e5348c4]

A circle connected with strings.
A rock to support the happiness is brings.

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Attached with strings of love.

A circle of hope to heal the heart.
All are connected.
All play a part.

So place me where I can be seen.
Remember these words.
Happiness it brings.

Shealray (My pin name)

millman52 · Oct 9, 2011

If you are going to purchase a new alternator I recomend a Delco 1 wire alternator

It's the same Delco 10SI as you have now with a "self exciting" voltage regulator absolutely no other wiring needed other than the heavy 10ga. wire from the bolt terminal to the solenoid, battery or where ever the alternator hooks to 12V+

more here:
http://www.alternatorparts.com/what_is_a_self_exciting_alternator.htm

I'm sure you can do either a Google or Ebay search & find many sources.

Shealray · Oct 9, 2011

We found out we were reading our ampmeater wrong. Begginers some times do stupid things not because we are stupid just have to understand how the tractor works.

Anyway now I am on to getting a CHEAP or do it yourself power steering convertion. I am a lady and will use this tractor for cutting hay and raking. Need power steering so my arms will not fall off. Do you have any way I can make my own converstion kit? The ones for sale are to much money. Their has to be a way I can do this.

Oh my little Ford 850 is looking preety nice now with all the work I put into it. Maybe to nice to use. HA HA

THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

millman52 · Oct 9, 2011

Unfortunately, there isn't much of a good way to put power steering on that tractor besides the conversion kits available. It's been several years since I looked a bit for a PS conversion for a 1971 2000 Ford. The 2000 is set up about the same as your 800.

Good luck & if you figure something out please share with us

Shealray · Oct 10, 2011

I have an idea for a simple power steering addition. Use the power of leverage not hydraulics.

Replace the existing arm from the front tractor wheels with a longer one. Like using a cheater bar on a wrench to help loosen a nut. The angle of the long arm would have to be change a little
The long tie rod that attaches to it would have to be shortened a little to compensate for the longer arm.

It would not take much of an arm length to act as a lever and help make steering easer.

What do you think??????

JMOR · Oct 10, 2011

(quoted from post at 19:06:16 10/10/11)
I have an idea for a simple power steering addition. Use the power of leverage not hydraulics.

Replace the existing arm from the front tractor wheels with a longer one. Like using a cheater bar on a wrench to help loosen a nut. The angle of the long arm would have to be change a little
The long tie rod that attaches to it would have to be shortened a little to compensate for the longer arm.

It would not take much of an arm length to act as a lever and help make steering easer.

What do you think??????

on't be able to turn as tight a corner/circle.

Shealray · Oct 10, 2011

Ford 850 converted to 12 volt alternator not charging.

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