Battery Clooney John T

~The thing you have to keep in mind is that the lights are powered from the generator side of the ammeter so the lights load comes right off the top of the charging output [before it goes through the ammeter or goes to the battery] ... What that basically means is the power used by the lights is supplied directly by the generator & if the generator doesn't supply enough light power the remainder will have to come from the battery & that WILL show on the ammeter..

~Here's the bottom line.. as long as the ammeter stays at 0 or above [even slightly] it mean the generator is keeping up with the lights... If the ammeter drops below 0 [to the negative side] then the lights are drawing more than the generator can supply & a battery drain can be seen on the ammeter..

~On your battery size??... Battery size or plate number shouldn't have any effect on the [lights on position] showing a discharge on the ammeter. As mentioned above the generator supplies power to the light circuit before going through the ammeter so the more charge showing on the ammeter with the lights on only means that battery is in need of more charge..

~I wouldn't worry about battery plate numbers as the newer 6 volt batteries are much superior to the older original batteries so the plates are thinner & larger do to better case design.. The 6 volters aren't as good as the modern 12 volt batteries but are still much superior to the originals.. On those type 1- 6 volters used in the Deere diesels about anything that will start it will work..

~I must get 12 or more E-Mails a month on just what you are asking about above. I think the general thought is that the ammeter on a 2-cylinder Deere shows the generator's output.. That just isn't so.. The ammeter ONLY shows the current going INTO or OUT OF the battery so any current supplied or used prior to the battery side of the ammeter doesn't show on the ammeter needle..

_____Here's probably what you should see on that diesel ammeter _____

__Right after starting or with a low battery & at fast idle ... Always a charge [will show less charge with the lights on due to the lights using most on the generator's output before it gets to the ammeter..

__With a fully charged battery & lights on... At idle= moderate discharge,,, At part throttle a very slight discharge to around 0,,, at fast idle slightly above 0 to maybe +5 amps or so..

~If you suspect a charging problem on that diesel check the generator belt for being tight [a common problem].. Just grab the generator fan [engine off] & see if you can easily turn it..

Any further questions or if you suspect your charging system isn't working just post back or E-Mail & I will be glad to address them for you.. [email protected]

As far as your question, a higher amp/hr battery, such as one having more plates n lead n acid, is capable of "storing and delivering" more energy than a lighter one with less plates. HOWEVER, a light rated or even a heavier rated (more plates) battery shouldnt make much difference as to what amps load (ammeter deflection) the lights would draw. I.E. a light or heavy battery with more plates should still supply the same lighting amperage and deflect the ammeter about the same regardless. There can be some minor variations since a heavy draw could drop the batterys voltage slightly more in a real light battery versus a real heavy rated one, but as far as minor battery differences and no extreme current loads, the ammeter should still show about the same deflection, regardless if a light or heavier battery.

Also as far as your question, a lighter or heavier battery of more plates shouldnt show too much variation when you switch the lights on. The ammeter is indicating how many amps are going into or out of the battery, and as long as either battery is good and relatively equal in general condition, its the gens output and the lighting loads which determines ammeter deflection. Either battery (light or haevy) is just stiitng there like a big storare well which the generator is replenishing and the lights are drawing from, while its the gen and lights and their current balance the ammeter is reading.

So, I dont think a slightly lesser rated battery is the cause of the amount your ammeter deflects when lights are switched on. Unles your lighting circuit has a short and is drawing extreme currents, I dont think a slightly higher rated battery would make any difference whatsoever. Are the lights good and bright and do they glow noticeably brighter at idle versus full RPM????? ? You may have a minor short in the light wirign or a bad ground (COMMON PROBLEM) causing a lighting and charging problem if the gen cant keep up. Check, clean and inspect and re tighten the grounds on ALL lights
THAT COULD CAUSE A PROBLEM.

The real question is HOW WELL DOES SHE CHARGE WITH LIGHTS ON AND AT FULL RPM????? ??? If she shows slight charge then and NOT A discharge, I dont think you have any serious battery rating/plates or charging problems. How well/fast does she crank over???? A heavier battery with more plates n lead n acid can crank her faster.

Post back or e mail any questions and let me know what happens at RPM when lights are on????? ??? [email protected]

Good Luck n God Bless

John T

As I posted above, be sure the belt is tight and not glazed. You might when running and lights on ground the gens Field post to its case and see if she charges significantly more then. If so, the Voltage Regulator may have a minor field control relay problem like burned contact points or maybe the VR isnt well bonded/grounded to the gens case. Check that the gen has a good conenction to the tractor and that the VR is well bonded to the Gen.

You might also with lights on at RPM jump the VR's BAT terminal over to its ARM (or GEN) and see any ammeter changes. If it charges significantly more, the VR's cut out relay contacts may be burned.

Finally, inspect the connections on the gen and VR and the grounds (rusted gen/VR mounts or bolts can cause a poor ground), check the belt, and lemme know if you need more help.

John T