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Massey Harris & Massey Ferguson Tractors Discussion Forum
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MF 180 alternator conversion...

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Mark

11-18-2003 07:37:17




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Hi, I am going to replace the old generator with a Delco Alternator. I'm not sure what the output cutrrent is, maybe 60 or 100 A. I am wondering if this will damage the 180's stock ammeter?? Too much current? Thanks

Mark




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old

11-18-2003 07:58:18




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 Re: MF 180 alternator conversion... in reply to Mark, 11-18-2003 07:37:17  
If I where you I'd go with a delco one wire alternator, and no it won't hurt the amp gauge. Most one wire alternators are around 55 amp out put which is more then enough for a tractor,even if you have heater or AC etc
Hope this helps



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One wire Way to go

11-18-2003 10:02:15




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 Re: Re: MF 180 alternator conversion... in reply to old, 11-18-2003 07:58:18  
I have 4 tractors and all outfitted with one wire alternators.



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Mark

11-18-2003 17:04:20




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 Re: Re: Re: MF 180 alternator conversion... in reply to One wire Way to go, 11-18-2003 10:02:15  
Thanks guys, I already have an alternator ready to go on (i had it laying here so I'm gonna use it). It is a fully rebuilt delco alternator with an external regulator. I *think* it is the origional off my old MF 175. I think I have my wiring correct...

Alternator:
"BAT" - to battery (duh)
"R" - not used
"F" - to field "F" terminal on regulator

The regulator has 4 terminals...

#1 (F) - to "F" on alternator
#2 - not used (there's no terminal)
#3 - to battery side of the ammeter
#4 - to ignition (oil pressure switch on a MF 180)

I haven't done the install yet, this is just what I have down on paper....will it work?? anyone? Will I need a diode on that ignition wire? Thanks

MARK

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John McPherson

11-24-2003 10:12:28




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: MF 180 alternator conversion... in reply to Mark, 11-18-2003 17:04:20  
You have the old 1960's style of Delcotron. The side terminals will sort of form a cross, or are parallel out the back.

If you have a Delcotron where those terminals are in line with each other, there is a regulator inside already. (the one wire unit mentioned by others was originally a marine application, and usually easier to find that way).

I am assuming that you have an oil pressure switch with two terminals so that in the event oil pressure goes to zero, that there will be no power to the coil, etc.

In normal operation, a single terminal oil pressure switch provides the ground path for the guage, which will read 12 volts on the terminal with engine off, key switch in run position.

If this is the case, run another wire from the ignition switch that goes "hot" in the run position, there are usually 2 or three available terminals that switch hot in the run position.

You will need to make a connection for the number 2 terminal on the regulator through a 10 ohm resistance wire with a power rating of at least 6.25 watts which goes to the "R" terminal on the alternator. This controls the output voltage of the alternator, and if not connected, will not charge. You would need to get a harness section that includes that section of wire, or you need to find a suitable substitute.

The newer Delcotron could be used, but you need to make sure that when the tractor is shut down, that the two leads to the side of the alternor are open circuited from everything.

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Mark

11-24-2003 14:23:33




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: MF 180 alternator conversion.. in reply to John McPherson, 11-24-2003 10:12:28  
Thanks John...good info. I had the alternator professionally rebuilt and a new external regulator was included. The regulator has 3 terminals: F, there is no #2 (empty slot), 3 & 4.


The 2 terminals (R&F) and parallel to one another. The guy at the alternator shop told me to connect nothing to the "r" on the alternator, "f" to "F" on the regulator. #3 on regulator to batery side of ammeter and #4 to switched side of oil pressure switch.

I did all of this and the alternator gets warm to the touch after a few minutes (even if engine isn't running. Upon startup, the alternator charges fine and the lights remain very bright even if the pos. battery terminal is pulled from the battery. I must have something wired wrong?

Oh ya, the switch on a MF 180 has a off and on, there is no "run" position to use as an ignition power. The only option i am aware of isd the oil pressure switch. Thanks

MARK

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John McPherson

11-25-2003 13:55:17




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: MF 180 alternator conversi in reply to Mark, 11-24-2003 14:23:33  
Okay, from the sounds of it, the alternator was rebuilt with an internal resistor.

The main wiring itself is okay if the unit charges. the only issue at this point is the warm alternator when engine is off.

The alternator is getting warm because there is probably 12 volts still applied to the terminal number #4 of the regulator, which keeps current running through the alternator at all times, even with engine off. This might indicate the oil pressure switch to be shorted, the regulator could be shorted (or if mechanical or old transistorized- field relay contacts fused together).

If no meter is available, solder or tape two wires to a 12 volt bulb and use it as a tester. The alternator should not be getting warm with the engine off.

The replacement oil pressure switch should be one that would be used for racing purposes with three terminals. One to ground the oil pressure guage. one to go to "power on" (12 volt hot) and the other to the regulator pin #4.the terminals for power hot and regulator should be the isolated switch connections.

A relay could be wired in too, but that gets messy. The same is true for a regular toggle switch too, but is by far the simplest solution.

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MARK

11-25-2003 15:04:05




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: MF 180 alternator conv in reply to John McPherson, 11-25-2003 13:55:17  
Yeah, i tested the oil pressure switch with a meter and BOTH terminals (it only has 2) are hot when the tractor is running or not. I figure it is stuck closed or something. How much is a new one worth? I was also thinking of a toggle switch but it's too easy to forget you know? Do I have to buy a "MF" oil pressure switch or can I buy a generic one? Thanks again,Mark



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John McPherson

11-28-2003 15:32:44




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: MF 180 alternator in reply to MARK, 11-25-2003 15:04:05  
A generic should work fine.

I think Vega's used to have one like that. Otherwise, www.jegs.com should have something, or the old reliable J.C Whitney should have something too.



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