Re: 2030 batteries draining overnight

Normally Delco problem is only regulator.
Not always but easy to check out.
Probably no more than $75 for reman from
auto parts house. Difference in tractor alt
and auto alt is rear case is turned 90 degrees. Get one for 4230 if you can. It will be turned right.

(quoted from post at 16:36:45 11/23/15) Normally Delco problem is only regulator.
Not always but easy to check out.
Probably no more than $75 for reman from
auto parts house. Difference in tractor alt
and auto alt is rear case is turned 90 degrees. Get one for 4230 if you can. It will be turned right.

Click to expand...

Sorry for being thick here, but when you say the case is 90* out, you mean the wire terminals are typically 90 out from the ag product?

I checked at the local auto parts store and the Delco reman is $44 with a lifetime warranty. My only concerns with going back with another Delco is pulley size and the fact that the one I currently have won't quite tighten the belt enough. Now, that could be because the belt has aged and is stretched to the point of slop, or that the alignment differs, or that the pulley is a different size. Since I do not have a factory alternator to compare to (my Deere dealer doesn't have one in stock) it's hard to make that call.

I looked at the site TxJim suggested and cross referenced the Deere parts for my alternator and found a Reliance alternator reman for $175.

Another question is the reliability of an automotive type alternator on ag equipment. Obviously the exposure to the elements especially dust and debris is a factor in longevity (lifetime warranty). The Ag versions seem to be open cased were as the Delco is very closed. The vents are always clogged with debris on the old Delco. Heats the enemy, so I'm sure that attributed to the failure as the hours on the last rebuild for the Delco was very low.

Thanks again for the input of the forum.

Tim

I ran a Ford 3000 tractor with a auto type Delco alternator for yrs pulling a hay rake with no problems.

And you know Jim, that is the main purpose of our 2030, in the hay field. This one has been on the tractor since we bought it in the mid 90s but I do believe it had been rebuilt (regulator as mentioned) at least once.

I actually went ahead and grabbed the Delco replacement and installed it today. I have to get back in the field, and everywhere I checked locally to purchase from a Deere dealer, online purchase, or rebuild was going to see me losing more of my valuable window of opportunity. I couldn't beat the price and as I said, it has a lifetime warranty, so if it can't stand up, it's on them.

My next step now is to see if it was the weak link in the overnight discharge. I'll find out over this week if that indeed was the culprit or if I will be back on here after tracing wires.

Thank tons to all who have followed and freely given their expertise to help me. Tractor people are the best folk.

Tim

Oh well....full charged the batteries while I had them out, replaced the Delco alternator with a new unit. Put it all together. Tractor started great every time today, no draining (at least I thought).....but then, I finished working in the dark tonight. As soon as I turned on the lights, I noticed they were a little yellow. An hour later I'm in the dark...thankfully I made it back to the barn first....but I'm entirely frustrated now. It would seem that the alternator is not charging by either it being a bad alternator out of the box, or the bad link is between the alternator and my batteries. Maddening.

Tim

Get a VOM and check voltage with engine running. Voltage should be 13.5 volts or more. Then with engine turned off disconnect negative battery cable and check for drain between end of cable & tractor frame

Thanks once again Jim,

Tim