'48 VAC generator

I recently replaced my original light switch with a new one. I know it is wired correctly but the gauge showed 18 amps charging with the lights off. If I turn them on, she shows about 4 amps charging. About a week ago, the amp gauge was jumping all over the place, so after some looking, the cut out's contacts were burned. So I thought now is a good time to upgrade to a voltage regulator. Purchased a 6 volt positive ground (4 lug) from NAPA http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?R=MPEVR850SB_0213353699. I rerouted the wire from the resistor light switch to supply the power to the switch from the "L" terminal on the VR. I removed the supply from the amp meter. You can see the remaining hook ups in the photo. I polarized the generator as per touching the "gen" terminal with the "bat" terminal. The tractor is now charging again, but its up to 18 amps at full throttle. If I turn on the lights, it drops down as before to about 4 amps. What would be allowing the generator to charge at that rate? I believe my amp meter is good, it is only a couple of years old and not a cheap one. My concern is that charging at that rate (if it is actually doing that) will cause the contacts to burn out on the VR. Can't seem to figure out how to post a photo here, but here is the uploaded link
https://photos.yesterdaystractors.c...5&Parameter=&mode=All&what=pieces

It sounds like you're on the right track. Instead of your resistor-equipped light switch controlling the Field terminal of your generator, it is now controlled by your new regulator. Your light switch is now connected between your lights and the L terminal on your regulator and is only used to turn your lights on and off?

The amperages you state definitely sound like they're in the ballpark. Maybe a bit on the high side. When your lights are off, most of what your generator puts out (18 amps) goes into recharging the battery, minus whatever the ignition uses, if you have battery ignition. When your lights are on, they take the lion's share of what your generator can put out. In your case the amount left over is the 4 amps you're seeing.

If you wanted to reduce your generator output a bit in order to ease the strain on your VR, you could adjust the position of the generator's third brush under the band cover. Just bear in mind that if you're using your lights a lot, it will take longer to recharge the battery each time after starting. I'd probably just leave it as-is.

Paul in MN

(quoted from post at 19:49:53 08/11/10) It sounds like you're on the right track. Instead of your resistor-equipped light switch controlling the Field terminal of your generator, it is now controlled by your new regulator. Your light switch is now connected between your lights and the L terminal on your regulator and is only used to turn your lights on and off?

Click to expand...

Yes, that is the way I have it hooked up.

The amperages you state definitely sound like they're in the ballpark. Maybe a bit on the high side. When your lights are off, most of what your generator puts out (18 amps) goes into recharging the battery, minus whatever the ignition uses, if you have battery ignition. When your lights are on, they take the lion's share of what your generator can put out. In your case the amount left over is the 4 amps you're seeing.

If you wanted to reduce your generator output a bit in order to ease the strain on your VR, you could adjust the position of the generator's third brush under the band cover. Just bear in mind that if you're using your lights a lot, it will take longer to recharge the battery each time after starting. I'd probably just leave it as-is.

Paul in MN

Click to expand...

I'm just concerned that it is too much amps and will burn out the gen.

thanks