thanks everyone

kabat · Feb 21, 2016

Today I got the chance to pass on some knowledge. My two sons and my son-in-law were all here to learn the basics of the generator charging system. I converted my old WD45 from a 6 volt positive ground to a 12 volt negative ground. I installed a 12 volt generator with a 4 wire regulator, that way the tractor is still somewhat original. With the help and pages I have printed off this site I was able to explain what I was doing and why. Thank you all for giving me the knowledge to pass on to the next generation. It was a crash course, but everything worked as it should when we got done. I know most generators are positive ground, but I hooked this one negative so it would match the other tractors I have, monitors, sprayer solenoids, etc.

Ray IN · Feb 21, 2016

That is very cool! I, too am greatly indebted to the many experienced folks on this site. Between my ag students and myself, we have restored or repaired at least 7 tractors in the last 5 years. I have tried to pass along to the students anything I learn here.

J.Wondergem · Feb 21, 2016

I might be wrong. but I think the generator don't know the difference between positive or negative ground, just like the starter, but the regulator does.

kabat · Feb 21, 2016

Thats what I learned here, the genny dont know. I did make sure I bought a neg ground reg. This site is awesome for tractor nuts
like us.

Bob · Feb 21, 2016

Nope, a mechanical regulator for a generator doesn't "know" what at polarity to charge. That is determined by at what polarity the GENERATOR is "polarized" to BEFORE the system's first startup.

SOME mechanical regulators are marked (+) or (-) ground.

They, too, will work at either polarity, but will LAST LONGER used at intended priority.

This has to do with materials used in the contacts being arranged in opposite configurations for longer life at the polarity a given unit is made to be used with.

As an example, Delco used tungsten for the contact that loses/transfers metal (- side) and platinum for the side that tends to oxidize (+ side). The locations of those contacts would be opposite between a regulator specifically design for (-) ground a nad a regulator specifically designed for (+) ground.

I doubt if any modern units from "The Land of Almost Right" are that well made, though, and are not typically marked as to polarity.
If you care to read the Delco info page 11

gene bender · Feb 21, 2016

You did the rite thing that's why it works regs don't like bad polarity that's why good ones will say which ground they are made for.

Bob Bancroft · Feb 22, 2016

Very good. It's my preference when doing that to install a 2 brush generator from a D series. When I switched my WD45 my source at the time insisted on getting me a 3 brush generator. It looks just like the original, just 12V. So, since I still had my cut out, and a good hi/lo charge switch, I kept them in the system, rather than get a regulator. I didn't know how it would work. It works fine, except it seems like the charge rate is more critical than it was with the old 6V. I added a voltmeter because I was either over, or under charging the battery. With careful adjusting of the third brush for how I run the tractor, and monitoring the voltmeter, and using the hi/lo switch, it works.

thanks everyone

kabat

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Ray IN

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J.Wondergem

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kabat

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Bob

Well-known Member

gene bender

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Bob Bancroft

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