4450 killing batteries

stoneridge · Jun 2, 2016

I have a 4450 JD that has started to kill it's batteries if it sits for more than a day or so. Any suggestions on where to start looking for shorts?

Put 2 new batteries on and still doing it.

was told if I disconnect battery and there is a slight spark it means there is a draw. Is this correct and if so could I use this as a test as I go through the system to determine if I've fixed the problem.

Bruce SEKs · Jun 2, 2016

Check your alternator. I have had several tractors that the alt. would drain the battery but still would test good when I would take them to the shop. Changed to one wire and that stopped the problem.

Bob M · Jun 2, 2016

Had the same problem with our 4430. Turned out the alternator - while still charging when the engine was running - was draining the battery when shut down.

Quick check: With the engine shut down and the key switch "off", disconnect the heavy output wire from alternator BAT terminal. Now take small 12 volt bulb (a side marker lamp is ideal) and connect it between the output wire and the BAT terminal. If the bulb lights when you make contact, it's time for a new alternator.

stoneridge · Jun 2, 2016

Thanks a lot.

I changed the alternator at the end of last season which corresponds with the start of the drained batteries now that I think of it.

Will check with a bulb in am.

Steve@Advance · Jun 2, 2016

Yes, drawing a spark at the cable is an indication of a battery drain.

Like Bruce said, start with the alternator, disconnect all the wires, see if the spark stops.

Another test is to disconnect one battery cable, connect an incandescent test light in series between the battery post and the cable. If the light glows bright, there is a drain. A very dim glow might be seen if there is any electronic equipment in use. This is normal and would take months to drain the battery.

Then you can start pulling fuses, disconnecting wires until the light goes out. Common causes are, as said, the alternator, an accessory that's been left on, corroded wire connections, especially where the connection gets wet or are near the battery, an improperly connected accessory, anywhere the wiring has been damaged, burned, pinched, mouse chewed, or modified.

4020_guy · Jun 2, 2016

If memory serves me correctly, I think there is a diode wire going to the plug on the alternator. A 40 series has I think. I had to convert mine to a one wire unit.....Ron

hrRoss · Jun 3, 2016

if the alternator is draining batteries after the tractor is off, feal the alternator after the tractor is cooled down, it will still be warm

Bob · Jun 3, 2016

Stone, did you have to replace the 2-wire plug at the alternator, or is it damaged so it can be inserted either way?

Bottom line is that the #1 terminal should only be "hot" with the key switch "ON", and the #2 terminal should be "hot" all the time.

If, for any reason, those connections are reversed, the alternator will still charge, but will "kill" the battery overnight.

buickanddeere · Jun 3, 2016

(quoted from post at 00:00:33 06/03/16)
Thanks a lot.

I changed the alternator at the end of last season which corresponds with the start of the drained batteries now that I think of it.

Will check with a bulb in am.

May I suggest trouble shooting first. So far you have spent the money on two batteries plus your time and still have the original problem.
Connect an amp meter between the batteries and the main cable . Isolate fuses and electrical devices until the fault is found .
Save time and money.

Jon Hagen · Jun 3, 2016

The tiny blue spark when you connect a cable is not a good indication of a "draw" as most alternators have an electrical noise suppression capacitor connected to the output stud( Nipondenso) or inside on the rectifier heat sink (10-12 SI Delco)that will cause a tiny spark when first connected, but draw nothing after that. Better as the others say, connect a test light or meter between the bat post and bat cable to check for a continuous draw.

The suggestion to check if the alternator wires (#1-#2 on a Delco alternator, (L and S on a Nipondenso) are reversed is a prime suspect. Another is to check where the alternator wiring crosses the fuel return line to the fuel tank at the top front of the engine. I had this cable rubbing on that line in my 4450 until it wore through the insulation and shorted the two small wires together. It would then discharge the battery in about 1 day.

stoneridge · Jun 26, 2016

turned out it was a bad alternator. Thanks for the help boys. Any idea if the bad alternator can be fixed at a shop or is it junk?

4450 killing batteries

stoneridge

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Bruce SEKs

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Bob M

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stoneridge

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Steve@Advance

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4020_guy

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hrRoss

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Bob

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buickanddeere

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Jon Hagen

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stoneridge

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