The others’ comments summarize the situation pretty well: Those old 6 volt, 3-brush generators simply weren’t designed to charge at idle. So a modest discharge at idle (and at RPMs a bit above idle...) is perfectly normal.
----
As JimN points out in his post, the situation can be helped by installing a smaller pulley on the generator to spin it faster. However it is not without potential problems:
1 – Driving the generator faster wears out the brushes/commutator proportionally faster.
2 – The 3-brush generator design is not very energy efficient. Ie. a significant fraction of the shaft energy going into the generator is wasted as heat in the windings. Spinning the generator faster creates more heat inside the generator. And a hotter generator = shorter generator life!
3 – Overspinning the generator increases the risk of destroying (“birdnesting”) the armature should the engine ever overspeed due to governor failure, rolling down a hill too fast, etc.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - Ford N-Series Transmission/Hydraulic Fluid - The Full Story - by Llamas. The transmission fluid in an “N”:-series tractor lubricates the transmission, differential, rear wheel bearings, PTO and hydraulic pump drive, and it also cats as the working fluid for the hydraulic lift. In 9N/2N models, it also lubricates the steering sector and shaft system. The owner’s manual for the 9N and 2N models specified the use of only two fluids. They were STRAIGHT MINERAL OIL SAE 90 (above freezing) and
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
Sell 1958 Hi-Altitude Massey Fergerson tractor, original condition. three point hitch pto engine, Runs well, photos available upon request
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
