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1958 LO-BOY quit charging

D

DMartin9N-2N

Member
I have a 1958 International Lo-Boy that I have used to cut about an acre of grass every week of summer, for the last 20 years. This fall, the tractor's ammeter quit showing charge, and started showing about 3 amps discharge while running along. I knew my 6V battery was 5 years old, so I had it checked; it was bad. Put in new battery, started great, but still showing discharge on ammeter. I need a procedure for checking generator and regulator. My instinct would be to look at the brushes, but the generator is inside the hood and (I assume) not easy to remove. What can I determine by working at the regulator terminals? I do have a working multi-meter. Any help appreciated.

Dennis in West Tennessee
 
Simple first. While it is running, use a jumper wire to connect a good engine block ground, to the F terminal on the regulator. Look at the gauge. If it is now charging (way over is OK) the regulator is bad. If no charge, Use a #12 copper wire (solid is nice) to jump from the Arm terminal to the Bat terminal. This is again while running, and the F is still grounded. If it shows charge now it is the regulator. (a different part of the regulator, but still that problem). If still no charge, you will need to take the Generator in (with regulator) to have them checked. The second copper wire may spark some, but if that wire gets hot, pull t away and stop testing. Jim
 
I'm assuming you did not do some work on it and hook up the gauge backwards, right? Yes, those gennies are in a bad spot. Had to put holes in the hood just so you could oil it.
 
to Dave: Correct, I did not change any wiring. Thanks for the reminder, good troubleshooting analysis!

Dennis M. in W. TN
 
To Jim:
Thanks for the clear procedures. That is what I needed and can't recall where I have seen them previously! I can do them o.k., as I have a genuine Case-IH book with regulator and generator terminal identifications.

Dennis in W. TN
 
try the easy thing first pop the cap off the regulator might have got moisture in it I am saying this because I had an issue with mine the other day opened the cap and was full of rust put a newer one on and back came my charge
 
Question: Should the regulator be grounded, since it is mounted on rubber strips? I noted comments in this regard in another forum here. I could trying grounding the regulator body to the tractor pretty easily, maybe tomorrow! Just thinkin'......

Dennis in W. TN
 
If you work through my Troubleshooting Procedure step by step it can tell you if the cause of non charging is the Generator itself versus the Voltage Regulator or manual Low/High charge light switch type of control or other causes.

In Para 5 it shows how to effectively by pass the VR or manual charge mechanism by dead grounding the gennys FLD post to see if it charges or not.

Give it a try and post back any questions.

http://www.ytmag.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=jd&th=458743


John T
John Ts Charging Troubleshooting Procedure
 
The regulator (and gen) must be grounded to work. The regulator has two sections one that controls output voltage by adjusting the field circuit to ground, and the other is disconnecting and connecting the gen from the battery to prevent discharge when stopped. The VR must be well grounded to provide the path for operation of both systems. Running a separate wire from the VR metal body to the metal of the bracket or engine is a good idea. Jim
 
It's charging now! I had a specialist check out the generator and regulator. The gen needed bearings and had a loose segment on commutator. After doing the mechanical work, the specialist put the gen and reg on a test setup and polarized, then checked volts and amps. All I had to do was put the items back on the tractor. I think I am about ready for yard work now and grass when spring comes.

Dennis in W. Tenn.
 
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