2N over charging?

Restored 1945 2N, 6 Volt system with cut out and 1 wire generator. I just had to replace my battery, it was leaking around the battery posts and stopped holding a charge in a very short time.
My question is about the charging system, and am wondering if it could be possible if the generator is over charging. What should the generator be putting into the battery while running, and when should the cut out shut it off?
I'm keeping the float charger off until I make sure the charging system on the tractor is working correctly.

Thanks
Corey
 
The cutout does not control the charging. It is on or off, Charging rate is only controlled by the switch on the generator. What does your amp show when running?
 
Forgot to write, adjustable generator screw turned all
the way down, and original amp meter on tractor
reads just under 9, hand held reads about 8.5, but its
a digital one and they don't work well with generator.
That's being read at battery posts.
This is a positive ground setup.
 
The cutout is just there to connect the generator to the battery for charging and to disconnect it to prevent discharging when the tractor is not running.
You might check the voltage when running. What amps do you get with the switch in the high position? In other words, is the switch working?
 
Yes, the variable amp screw on the back of the
generator is working, as I turn it up at night when I'm
working it with the lights on to keep it on the positive
side of the amp gauge.
 
(quoted from post at 11:05:14 01/24/16) Forgot to write, adjustable generator screw turned all
the way down, and original amp meter on tractor
reads just under 9, hand held reads about 8.5, but its
a digital one and they don't work well with generator.
That's being read at battery posts.
This is a positive ground setup.

You are getting these reading with a new fully charged battery?
 
If you really wanted to know if the generator is working as it should, you could take it to a shop and have it checked.

You could also just run it with the lights on all the time, but really it sounds like it is operating as it should. I do not know what amperage should be when running.

Maybe someone who knows will chime in.

I have JD with a cutout and a two position switch and it cuts the charging rate in about half, but not sure what the amperage is.
 
This sounds like a mixing of volts & amperes........."and original amp meter on tractor
reads just under 9, hand held reads about 8.5, but its
a digital one and they don't work well with generator.
That's being read at battery posts. " So what is it? Volts or amperes?
 
Yes, now that I read it, it isn't very clear.
handheld digital voltmeter reads between 8.55 and
8.90 with tractor running at 1/4 throttle, measured at
battery posts.
I have the generator turned down as far as it will go.

As for the amp meter on the tractor, it reads just
under 10.
I don't know how to measure amps, or I would check
that also.
thank you
I have the new battery on a float charger to get it at
full charge, and will retest it after I get home from
work .
If there a need to check amps, I can if someone
would inform me what method to use.
Just concerned of overcharging the new battery,
starts and operates fine.
 
(quoted from post at 11:53:08 01/25/16) Yes, now that I read it, it isn't very clear.
handheld digital voltmeter reads between 8.55 and
8.90 with tractor running at 1/4 throttle, measured at
battery posts.
I have the generator turned down as far as it will go.

As for the amp meter on the tractor, it reads just
under 10.
I don't know how to measure amps, or I would check
that also.
thank you
I have the new battery on a float charger to get it at
full charge, and will retest it after I get home from
work .
If there a need to check amps, I can if someone
would inform me what method to use.
Just concerned of overcharging the new battery,
starts and operates fine.
ooks like you have measured both. Volts across battery terminals at 8.55 VOLTS to 8.9 VOLTS AND just under 10 AMPERES using the tractor ammeter, assuming that such ammeter has mot been changed to a Voltmeter somewhere along life's path.
 
other than the hopefully working gauge on the tractor, you'd have to buy a DC ammeter, and there's not cheap. unlike a VOM, which can be bought inexpensively (harbor freight was giving them away like party favors), the cheapest DC meter for amps i've been able to find costs about $80.

a normal VOM will only measure a small amount of amperage, usually under one amp. beyond that, u blow the fuse or fry the meter. i was given a really nice Fluke 30 (replaced now by the Fluke 373, if you're curious about pricing ;) ). it will read up to 400 amps - but, sadly, AC only.
 

What is the voltage reading across the battery posts when the engine is not running and battery has had a chance to settle down or after turning the lights on for a minute or so?

8-55-8.90 volts is way to high on a 6v battery during charging which is why you are getting leaks at the battery probably due to gassing.
 

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