Farmall 450 (gas) Generator/Alternator question

Tony_Idaho · Mar 12, 2010

My 12v Generator doesn't work, so I was thinking about upgrading to one of the 1 wire Alternators, but I have not heard anything good or bad about them? Just wondering if that is the was to go. They seem to be easy, just plug to the Positive side of the battery.

Thanks
Tony

Bob M · Mar 12, 2010

A 1-wire alternator will work. However some (not all...) 1-wire units may have these problems:

1 - Difficulty "turning on" at startup. Engine must be run up to full RPM before the alternator will begin charging. (Once turned on however it will charge fine at idle.)

2 - Tendency to drain the battery if left unstarted for long periods (weeks)

----

For a couple bucks worth wire and a warning light (or resistor or diode) you can use a standard 3-wire alternator and not risk the above. Also the 3-wire alternator will cost less.

soybeanjoe · Mar 12, 2010

I have a 1 wire on my SMTA. I have heard of but not experienced problem #1. My SMTA does have problem #2. If tractor sits for more than 4-5 days without either strting or unhooking the battery cable the battery will be dead. Doesn't take many times of this & battery needs replaced.

I would recomeneither repairing the gnerator or buying a 3 wire alt. If you're wanting 12v, your current generator can be atlered to 12v, also neg. grd. I had that done to the gen on my '49 M and it works good. Also have had the SMTA's gen reworked, just need to get it on. Cost for reworking the gen was a lot less than what an alt. would cost. Guy did the one for the M at no charge & $25 for the SMTA but it needed some other parts.

I also have two SMs that have 3 wire alts, one has been converted to 1-wire. Both work good.

Nebraska Kirk · Mar 12, 2010

I second the opinion to get the 3-wire alternator. I just bought a rebuild unit to put on my Farmall 400. $57 and it came with a two year warranty!

jeffalex2 · Mar 13, 2010

I tried a 1 wire, but, had the issues they've explained with draw and run up to turn on. So, I put a three wire on like this 3 yrs ago...no issues what so ever...

mkirsch · Mar 13, 2010

Wow, Bob M's diagrams have been around for almost 12 years!

Tony_Idaho · Mar 13, 2010

Thanks for the diagram. Very helpful. I just went a bought a Delco-Remy 3 wire at NAPA this morning. On the tractor I have an external regulator that went to the generator. Do I just remove all connections to it? Since the Alternator already has a regulator inside.

Jeff Z. · Mar 13, 2010

Tony, Send me an email. I have alot of info for you.

[email protected]

Farmall 450 (gas) Generator/Alternator question

Tony_Idaho

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Bob M

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soybeanjoe

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Nebraska Kirk

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jeffalex2

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mkirsch

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Tony_Idaho

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Jeff Z.

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