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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Ammeter fluctuation?

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MF Poor

02-12-2007 04:42:53




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Last summer I helped a friend sort out a wiring fiasco on a 135 Massey he bought. Previous owner ripped the wiring to shreds when it caught a tree limb while bush hogging (so we're told). He rewired (wrong) it in the field. End result was a severe overcharging problem (18+v at battery) Prior owner sold it after battery blew up. (we found 18V going to "field" terminal on alt. before rewire)

Everything was smoked. We installed a new Optima battery, new alternator. (Delco external reg) Voltage reg, ammeter (Autometer, from NAPA) and rewired to specs in manual. (also matched exactly to my 150MF)

Now it works like it should EXCEPT for one issue. When you start up, everything looks good. Then throttle up a bit 'till reg excites alternator. Good so far. (Reads 14.9v at battery running, 12.8v static. matches specs in MF tech manual) Throttle up beyond 1500 rpm and ammeter starts dancing back and forth between charge and discharge. Cut engine back and it stops, showing slight charge.

My question is, would engine vibration cause this? Is there significant difference in quality of gauges? I've seen Glyserine (sp?) filled gauges to operate in high vibration environments. Is there such an animal in ammeters?

Owner is content that everything is working fine. I'm not, and I'd like to know for future reference. TIA

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MF Poor

02-12-2007 15:50:45




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to MF Poor, 02-12-2007 04:42:53  
It's now FIXED!!!!!

It took a better grade of gauge. (A NOS original Massey Ferguson gauge at that!) Thanks EVERYONE.



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Aaron Ford

02-12-2007 13:56:15




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to MF Poor, 02-12-2007 04:42:53  
Is the ammeter properly sized for the alternator? The ammeter I had was a 30 amp, but I could not find an alternator with that small of an output. Hope you work it out.

Aaron



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IH2444

02-12-2007 11:00:24




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to MF Poor, 02-12-2007 04:42:53  
Worn brushes in alternator ?



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MF Poor

02-12-2007 13:16:34




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to IH2444, 02-12-2007 11:00:24  
NOPE! NEW alternator.



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the tractor vet

02-12-2007 06:57:31




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to MF Poor, 02-12-2007 04:42:53  
It could be two things comming into play here . First off the amp gauges may not be well suited for industral apl. second off the voltage reg. may not like the vibs. As i went thru this on a OIL ALL OVER and it was the reg. as it was not mounted correctly and again on on my buddys 720 Deere the vibration just kills the reg. Now myself i am not sold on Auto Meter gauges i prefer a good old fashioned Stewart and Warner or a Rochester . As for cutting down on vibration on the reg ulator ya may want to add a second mounting plate that has some shock mounting then the regulator on to it as the massey has more vibration then most .

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MF Poor

02-12-2007 09:21:37




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to the tractor vet, 02-12-2007 06:57:31  
Reg is mounted on a vibration dampener mount. It has a ground cable to the chassis. It's identical to the one on my 150 that's working like a charm. Also, it's one of those newfangled "electronic" regs, no points, ect.

Just bought a new Stewart Warner ammeter. SW calls it "aircraft grade". (Advertizing hype or what?) NAPA parts guy said bring it back if it doesn't do the trick. (For $39 it BETTER) First round replacement was about $10 or $12 bucks.

Everything checks out to spec at every concievable point where I can test. Just a jumpy gauge. We'll see in a few hours. Headed over to install this one after work. I don't even know if my buddy will be willing to pay for it. I just want to make sure I'm not burning up his charging system somehow.

I'll post the results later tonight.

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EddiePetty

02-12-2007 05:27:44




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to MF Poor, 02-12-2007 04:42:53  
.....I have seen "dampening resistors" across the poles of ammeters to balance fluctuations.

Ed in "ole Virginny



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RustyFarmall

02-12-2007 05:07:21




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to MF Poor, 02-12-2007 04:42:53  
I'd try a different ammeter.



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Allan In NE

02-12-2007 04:46:50




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to MF Poor, 02-12-2007 04:42:53  
The ampmeter is just merely showing the results of that mechanical regulator working.

A voltmeter might be a better idea with the alternator setup?

Allan



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MF Poor

02-12-2007 04:51:32




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to Allan In NE, 02-12-2007 04:46:50  
Original equipment is an ammeter. The one on my MF150 is an ammeter. Mine moves up and down SOME when reg is working, but not NEARLY as much, and doesn't ever show in discharge range. Original is -15,0,+15 guage. We replaced with -60,0.+60 style. Would that be a more sensitive guage?



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Allan In NE

02-12-2007 04:58:40




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to MF Poor, 02-12-2007 04:51:32  
Have you tried filing the points on the regulator? Or, is it a new reg?

Allan



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MF Poor

02-12-2007 05:15:23




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to Allan In NE, 02-12-2007 04:58:40  
It's a new "modern" reg, one without points. Battery is in good charge. Being a diesel, there's not much draw once running, and battery stays in good shape. On another site, I got a clue that I just went too cheap on the ammeter. Going to try an upgrade there next. Appreciate the help guys. I'll post back WHEN we get a positive result. (pardon the pun)



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Allan In NE

02-12-2007 05:00:16




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to Allan In NE, 02-12-2007 04:58:40  
At any rate, I would make darned sure the battery is charged clear up before making any rash repairs.



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IH2444

02-12-2007 05:45:23




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 Re: Ammeter fluctuation? in reply to Allan In NE, 02-12-2007 05:00:16  
Fan belt slipping on alternator ?



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