I bought an Allis D17 several months ago and it ran well. In fact I drove it over 30 miles to get it home, and had no problems. Right after getting it home, I rewired the headlights because they were disconnected because the wires were shorted. Besides disconnecting the battery while working on the lights, and testing the lights afterwards without starting the tractor, I did nothing to the electrical system. However, I got busy with other projects and the tractor sat for well over a month. I left the hood off, so the engine got rained on. When I tried to start it, the battery seemed a little low, and the distributor was wet, so it would not start.
I got my battery charger and when I connected it (PROPERLY), according to the + and - markings on the battery, I had a massive amount of sparks. Thats when I got my VOM meter and discovered that the battery is REVERSE CHARGED. The terminal marked + is negative and vice versa.
The battery is 12V and is supposed to be POS ground. It still has a Generator and voltage regulator.
I've already decided to get rid of that generator and replace it with a GM alternator with built in regulator, which I know will mean buying a new battery. I'll also convert it to a NEG ground at that time. (which I know means reversing the wires on the coil and the ammeter). I know all too well that generators are a pain in the butt and the sooner it's gone, the better. I dont even want to attempt to try to fix the generator problem and likely ruin another battery on the process.
However, it's the middle of winter and too cold to make brackets for the alternator, working out in the cold. Spring will come soon enough to do this work. However, I really need to move the tractor and if at all possible, be able to use it a few times this winter to clear snow from my roadway.
My question is whether it's safe to connect my battery charger backwards (as the battery *IS* now polarized), and is it safe to start the tractor without doing any damage. If this does more harm to the battery, I dont really care, because I will be replacing it. (As long as it dont explode).
One other thing. Does anyone know of a place that sells aftermarket ready-made mounting brackets for a D17, to convert them to an alternator? (Or can someone furnish details plans with measurements, so I can have my local welding shop make one). I do NOT need a complete "KIT". I have the alternator from an old 78 Chevy truck, and have wire and a diode. I just need the mountng brackets.
Thanks for all help!
I got my battery charger and when I connected it (PROPERLY), according to the + and - markings on the battery, I had a massive amount of sparks. Thats when I got my VOM meter and discovered that the battery is REVERSE CHARGED. The terminal marked + is negative and vice versa.
The battery is 12V and is supposed to be POS ground. It still has a Generator and voltage regulator.
I've already decided to get rid of that generator and replace it with a GM alternator with built in regulator, which I know will mean buying a new battery. I'll also convert it to a NEG ground at that time. (which I know means reversing the wires on the coil and the ammeter). I know all too well that generators are a pain in the butt and the sooner it's gone, the better. I dont even want to attempt to try to fix the generator problem and likely ruin another battery on the process.
However, it's the middle of winter and too cold to make brackets for the alternator, working out in the cold. Spring will come soon enough to do this work. However, I really need to move the tractor and if at all possible, be able to use it a few times this winter to clear snow from my roadway.
My question is whether it's safe to connect my battery charger backwards (as the battery *IS* now polarized), and is it safe to start the tractor without doing any damage. If this does more harm to the battery, I dont really care, because I will be replacing it. (As long as it dont explode).
One other thing. Does anyone know of a place that sells aftermarket ready-made mounting brackets for a D17, to convert them to an alternator? (Or can someone furnish details plans with measurements, so I can have my local welding shop make one). I do NOT need a complete "KIT". I have the alternator from an old 78 Chevy truck, and have wire and a diode. I just need the mountng brackets.
Thanks for all help!