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Paul - If the idiot light burns out the alternator will not work. On the other hand if you position the light where you can see it, you know if/when the alternator stops charging without reading the ammeter. That's why I prefer to install the light where I can see it, especially if others are gonna be running my tractors. Normal idiot light indications:
Ign off, engine stopped - dark
Ign on, engine stopped - lit
Ign on, engine running, alternator not charging - lit
Ign on, engine running, alternator charging - dark
Ignition off, engine coasting to stop - lit (usually flickers...) How long will it run on just the battery? With a fully charged battery and the lights off, 12 - 16+ hours can be expected. With lights on (assuming three 37 watt tractor lights), I've run 2 - 4+ hours - though for the last 1/2 hour the lights get kinda dim... This of course assumes a good, fully charged battery and only one or two uses of the starter. On other suggestion: Double check the fan belt tension! Even though the alternator may look like it is spinning properly, the belt can be slipping enough to prevent it from "turning on". (I learned this the hard way....) Good luck!! ...Bob M
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