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12v conversion on WD

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old bones

01-01-2006 06:09:02




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Please help me out, folks.
Please bear with me as I try to explain my problem.
My neighbor has a WD that was 6v and was giving him fits as far as charging, and finally quit running this fall. I offered to bring in into my shop and help him get it running, as it's winter here in Iowa.
He already had the starter and generator off because he suspected either might be his problem, so I took the generator apart to look it over. Back bushing was shot, allowed the armature to grind on the field coils. Armature showed a dead short between com bars and armature shaft. He made the decision to convert to 12v and alternator. Gave him a list of things to pick up at NAPA store (Delco 10SI alt, ballast resistor, wire, diode, push-on connector for spade terms ). The NAPA dealer sent him back with a NAPA single terminal alternator- one stud on the back. I've never used on of these, but assume it is internally regulated and excited.
Mounted the alt, ran #10 wire from "BAT" stud on back of alt to +side of voltmeter. Ran #10 from -side of voltmeter to battery cable stud on starter. Ran #12 from +side of voltmeter to one end of ballast resistor, same from other end of resist to ign switch. Same from ign switch to coil. Checked with ohm meter for any shorts between pos cable and ground. Had a draw between alt "BAT" stud and frame. Assume this is for internal exciter.
Hooked a spare 12v battery up to cables using jumper cables (wanted to be sure I could cut power quick, if need be). Using a test light between battery and pos cable to check for a draw, test light blinked on then off, so assume this is the alt internal exciter.
Hooked the jumper cables direct to battery cables, pulled ign switch on, and pulled starter rod. Slow turning and only briefly. Had a bit of smoke come off ballast resistor. Did some checking, forgot to switch wire on coil, so changed them, wire from ign switch to pos post on coil. Still smoke from resistor when ign switch is on. Ohm meter showed continuity between coil side of ign switch and ground. Held points open and broke continuity. Normal? My next step today will be to put one of my 12v coils on it and one of my 12v batteries in it, remove the resistor, and hook up direct to battery eliminating jumper cables (don't think I am getting decent voltage transfer through jumper cables).
Am I doing something wrong that I'm getting smoke from the resistor?
Is the momentary power draw at the alt, and is this correct?
Did I fry his 6v coil by hooking it up backward?
Sorry about the long post, but couldn't explain otherwise. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
old bones

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old bones

01-01-2006 16:01:17




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 Re: 12v conversion on WD in reply to old bones, 01-01-2006 06:09:02  
put the resistor between the switch and coil, put a battery IN it, and she fired right up. thanks to those who replied. the help is appreciated!
old bones



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Bob

01-01-2006 16:32:04




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 Re: 12v conversion on WD in reply to old bones, 01-01-2006 16:01:17  
I LOVE it when a plan comes together!



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Texas Denny

01-01-2006 07:31:24




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 Re: 12v conversion on WD in reply to old bones, 01-01-2006 06:09:02  
You say you hooked up the alternator to the + side of the voltmeter. If you are using a voltmeter, your alternator will not charge as very little current goes through a voltmeter. If you are using an ammeter, the connection is correct.

I don't recommend hooking the ballast resistor to the + side of the voltmeter (ammeter). The resistor should be between the ignition switch and the coil. Since the resistor is getting hot, it sounds like your 6V coil has a short. Replace it with a new coil. Ask the dealer if the coil you are purchasing (6V or 12V) requires a ballast resistor.

Very few jumper cables are capable of starting a tractor or a car. They are generally too small gauge and the squeeze connectors are inadequate for the high level of current during starting.

Though the coil should have polarity correct, I don't think it should kill the coil to be hooked up backwards for a short time. But anyway, you have short somewhere, either in the coil or in the wiring. Sorry, I've not used one of these one wire alternators. But it does make sence that the alternator would draw a small amount of current to detect the discharge and then stop drawing. I'm surprised that the current would show up on a meter or a test light, however.

You're not far off from success.

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old bones

01-01-2006 10:15:48




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 Re: 12v conversion on WD in reply to Texas Denny, 01-01-2006 07:31:24  
Sorry, mistyped. It's ammeter, not volt meter. Will move resister to coil side of switch, although at this time, nothing past resister except ignition. Kinda figured the jumpers were not kosher, but wanted to at least check system before hooking a battery up hard (I wanted to be able to unhook in a hurry in case of meltdown. Had a bad experience back in the early 70's, been gunshy and over-cautious since).
Thanks for reply,
old bones

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Bob

01-01-2006 09:30:39




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 Re: 12v conversion on WD in reply to Texas Denny, 01-01-2006 07:31:24  
Yes, the ballast resistor should be between the ignition switch and the coil. However, unless there are other loads on the ignition switch, it should still work where it is, but do change it to the other side of the switch.


Now, here's the good part.... ALL ballast resistors get HOT when the key is on, points are closed, and the engine is not running or being cranked.... AND nearly all NEW ballast resistors seem to have some oil on them from the manufacturing process, AND will smoke when hot for a time, until the oil burns off.


SOOOO... a HOT, smoking ballast resistor is not necessarily a sign of problems, so long as the primary ignition current stops when the points are opened, indicating there's no short.

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old bones

01-01-2006 10:26:28




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 Re: 12v conversion on WD in reply to Bob, 01-01-2006 09:30:39  
When points are opened, ohm meter drops off to zero. Thanks,
old bones



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gene (missouri)

01-01-2006 07:15:43




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 Re: 12v conversion on WD in reply to old bones, 01-01-2006 06:09:02  
Link



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old bones

01-01-2006 09:54:32




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 Re: 12v conversion on WD in reply to gene (missouri), 01-01-2006 07:15:43  
Been there. He shows a 12v coil, no resistor, and a 3 wire alternator. I printed off and gave neighbor that same page, both drawings and words to go shopping with. Doesn't change the parts or questions I have.
Thanks,
old bones



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Bob

01-01-2006 10:02:39




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 Re: 12v conversion on WD in reply to old bones, 01-01-2006 09:54:32  
As to your other question, the coil would NOT be hurt by the connections at it's (+) and (-) posts being reversed. The effectiveness of the spark at the plugs would be less, though, with the coil's polarity reversed.



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old bones

01-01-2006 10:19:54




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 Re: 12v conversion on WD in reply to Bob, 01-01-2006 10:02:39  
Thanks. I don't completely understand how a coil works, just what it produces. Don't know about anybody else, but the "product" makes my hair stand straight out when I experience it firsthand.

Thanks.
old bones



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