Z-man

Member
I decided to go with the 6 volt pos ground system, not completely happy with it but it does run, however when I test the generator's two posts I'm getting around 3 to 5 volts does this mean its charging or should I have it rebuild what does it suppose to show on the meter, also when I start the tractor it show a pos charge on the amp meter
 
Check the charging voltage at the battery while it's running. The voltage is controlled by the voltage regulator. Why do you not like the 6 volt system? I kept mine 6 volts and I crank it in 20 degree weather in the snow with no problems. 6 volts got a bad rap when people would replace their 0 gauge battery cables with 4 or 6 gauge 12 volt cables. The result was the starter could not draw enough amps thru the smaller wires to crank properly. Also relocate your ground cable. It originally grounded to the back of the dash. Move it as close to the starter as possible and ground it.
 
being that the tractor is pos ground how should one test for a charging generator? I'm using a meter type gauge with a red and black test wires. could you tell me which wire goes to what I would guess red to pos and black to neg to test it for charging
 
14 gauge is fine for the ignition,I would use 12 gauge for the charging system wires. When I used my meter red went to positive and black to ground.
 
With the engine running around 1,000 - 1,500 RPM, lift off one battery lead. If the engine keeps running the generator is working. If the engine dies you have a generator (or regulator) problem.
 
I'm sorry but I don't believe that is the case with a generator on a 6 volt pos ground system, from what I gather the generator needs the batt to know how much to charge. the alternator works different many it alternates current so yes with a alternator u can do that but not with a generator at least that is my understanding of the system?
 
I think you may have it backwards Z man . Bob is correct , when the tractor fitted with a generator [ not an alternator] is at fast idle you can disconnect the battery and the tractor will continue to run . This shows that sufficient voltage is being produced by the generator to power the ignition system . If you do the same with an alternator fitted there is no back feed to tell the alternator how much or how little to charge , this causes it to go into overdrive as far as current production , you risk burning it out very very quickly if you do .
 
I'm sorry but I don't believe that is the case with a generator on a 6 volt pos ground system, from what I gather the generator needs the batt to know how much to charge.

You are not correct. A generator is a simple DC motor. Lift one battery lead and the engine should keep running if the generator is charging. You can also reverse the generator polarity without harming the generator. Indeed, you can flash over the regulator and change your electrical system from positive ground, to negative ground, if you wish.

the alternator works different many it alternates current so yes with a alternator u can do that but not with a generator...

Yes you can lift a lead with an alternator, you can also reverse an alternator polarity so long as it is your alternator, not mine. Both are usually the last thing before you throw the alternator away and buy a new one!

An alternator needs the battery to excite the field. Reversing polarity risks burning out the two to four diodes in the back plate of the alternator.

Alternators are almost always strictly negative to ground.
 
well thanks I guess I have it all wrong, and sorry if I offended you in any way, so what your saying is at fast idle I should be able to put a lead and the tractor still run and if not then the generator is not charging enough or at all
 
can a generator produce some DC current but not enough to keep the engine running or does it create a certain amount all the time, meaning it only works or it doesn't. when I put the neg lead off the batt the engine dies out and will shout off I guess this means I need a rebuild jenny?
 
G'Day

sorry if I offended you in any way

I'm an Australian. The world has been offending us ever since our forebears were transported from England as Convicts, 200 years ago. We don't get offended easily!!! :lol:

The engine should run if you lift the generator lead with the engine running above 1,000 RPM. Less than 1,000 RPM and the generator may not be generating sufficient current.

If you lifted the lead with the engine over 1,000 RPM and the engine died, it sounds like the generator is not charging. Most likely culprit will be worn brushes which is a job you can do yourself. Alternatively, have an auto electrician check the generator, renew the brushes, skim off the commutator and lubricate the bushes and you should be in business again. It should not be an expensive job, maybe $50 to $100. Don't let the auto electrician tell you brushes are unavailable or that you should change to another generator or alternator!

That Lucas generator on the 12 volt TEA20 only turns out a maximum 11 amps, not much at all. All generator outputs are DC so you can also disconnect the wires from the generator and connect a 12 volt light globe, which should light up if the generator is charging.
 
thanks Bob, and no hard feeling I am glad u educated me, so what should the generator put out if it is in good working condition and at the right rpm
 

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