WD45 charging problem

Bill in MA · Jul 2, 2011

I have a 1956 WD45 with a six volt charging system. My problem is that when I turn the ignition switch to off, the amp meter goes to discharge because the cutout points stay closed. This kills the battery in a very short time. When I bought the tractor the cutout was bad so this is a brand new replacement. I also had the generator checked and she is putting out 3-4 amps on low charge and 10-12 amps on high charge. Any ideas what could be causing this to happen?

John T · Jul 3, 2011

Some cutouts are labeled for POS ground others NEG ground HOWEVER that shouldnt cause the relay to stick right off the bat, although it can affect its longevity. They can be adjusted to some extent (air gaps and/or spring tension) but a new one shouldnt require that.

Make sure the relay has a good bright clean shiny GROUND, it needs that to work properly.

Id double check alllllll the connections, especially on cutout and then the ammeter and to the battery. The initial reverse current out of the battery into the genny is supposed to assist in causing the relay to drop out.

One can replace a mechanical cut out with a solid state diode type of device and those usually work decent........

Make sure its wired correct, BAT to ammeter and GEN/ARM to Gennys ARM post and check the ammeter wiring and its connection to battery source. INSURE A GOOD GROUND

John T

Bob Bancroft · Jul 3, 2011

Over three decades ago when I was working on these tractors for a living we lamented how new cut-outs and voltage regulators didn't work well, right out of the box.
I would try the diode type.
John T gives wonderful advice.

WD45 charging problem

Bill in MA

New User

John T

Well-known Member

Bob Bancroft

Well-known Member

Similar threads