U-302 And U-302 Super Upgrade

I am trying to get the electric systems on these 2 tractors upgraded so the charging systems work and they start better when it is cold & damp outside. Cleaning connections solved most of the problems and some different amperes gages helped indicate charging and hopefully keeping the battery's charged so they start when cold.

On the (U-302 Regular) the amp gage hardly moves to the negative side when cranking and the (U-302 Super) the amp gage shows a Pretty solid Negative 30 amps when cranking the engine. Could this mean the starter solenoid is bad or something else? I haven't cleaned the connections on the starter yet but both tractors start fine. Also the (U-302 Super) has a Resistor in the line going to the coil. I think the coil has a notation on it that it needs no resistor. I don't have a Manual just for the (Super U-302) but the Manual for the (Regular U-302) doesn't have a Resistor listed the parts list. Could that cause the extra high Amp draw and starting hard?

Also I need an manifold and some Manifold gaskets. I was wondering why the mufflers did not muffle until I seen the condition of the Manifold. Who has manifolds for U-302?
Cleddy

The resistor in line with the coil will not cause the high amp draw.
The high amp draw you're seeing would be from poor battery to starter connections, poor ground connection, poor battery cables, worn out starter, worn starter solenoid contacts and even a mechanical drag on the engine causing it to turn over hard.

Find out for sure if you need the resistor to the coil, that will make a big difference in the starting. The coil may say it's an 8V coil, then you will need the resistor. Depending on your ignition switch, you may be able to bypass the resistor during cranking to give you a better spark and better starting.

My brother has a 302 Super. On it the bypass for the resistor comes from a small post on the starter solenoid.

I am thinking the manifold I got from Steiner would work on the U302. It had features that were more like the U302 220 engine (that is in my Jetstar3) than the 206 manifold that came off my Big MO 400. The way I remember it there is a slightly greater distance between the blocks and the carburetor on the 220 manifold and that was duplicated on the Steiner part.

That was over 10 years ago, so if I am mistaken, somebody will be sure to let us know.

A little follow up- On the resistor in the line to the coil the coil says "12 volts-no resistor required" My Nephew an "Auto Mechanic" helped my Dad rewire the tractor after a fire and I am thinking they missed the wire from the starter direct to the coil which I am not sure the starter has a terminal just for that. Maybe it will start better with a full charge at the coil at cranking.

The Starter has seen better days with a hole in the Solenoid housing where mostly likely rain has got in when the tractor was outside a lot. That could account for the high starter Amperage draw on starting. Cleddy