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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Charging Amps

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Jim in North Ca

05-27-2005 08:45:11




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My 49 8N is working just fine thank you; however, the ampmeter shows a sustained discharge (around 7 amps) when the headlights are being used. This, of course, is seldom and otherwise the alternator keeps the battery well charged. Without the headlights, it shows a few + amps just after starting, and in a few minutes that drifts down to just a minor + side indication, which seems normal to me. The voltage, even when the headlights are on, is still 13.5 to 14.0. So this is baffling to me. Thanks in advance for any ideas or suggestions.

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Coloken

05-27-2005 10:32:15




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 Re: Charging Amps in reply to Jim in North Carolina, 05-27-2005 08:45:11  
Check and see if alt belt is tight enough.



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MarkB_MI

05-27-2005 09:41:36




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 Re: Charging Amps in reply to Jim in North Carolina, 05-27-2005 08:45:11  
As long as your voltage stays above 13 volts you have nothing to worry about. You can change the wiring, as Bob suggests, if the discharge indication bothers you.



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Jim in North Carolina

05-27-2005 10:21:42




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 Re: Charging Amps in reply to MarkB_MI, 05-27-2005 09:41:36  
The ammeter is wired correctly, it shows a + 10 amps indication, needle deflected right, just after starting with no major load and the alternator is replacing the amps back into the battery. After a few minutes, the needle drifts back to around +1 amp, still to the right, indicating the majority of the use from starting has been restored. When the headlights are turned on, the needle deflects left into negative territory. Turning the lights off returns the needle to the + (right) side. Just a curiousity since not much is work performed at night.

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MarkB_MI

05-27-2005 18:53:19




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 Re: Charging Amps in reply to Jim in North Carolina, 05-27-2005 10:21:42  
You might have a blown diode in the alternator. That would account for weak charging. There are six diodes in the alternator, and only two of them have to be good for the alternator to put out something. You have to dismantle the alternator to check the diodes; it's probably not worth the trouble.



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Jim in North Carolina

05-28-2005 05:11:34




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 Re: Charging Amps in reply to MarkB_MI, 05-27-2005 18:53:19  

Thanks for that tip. The other thing I'll be checking is the belt which I've purposely kept a bit loose to save torque on the old water pump. It may be sufficient for low charging, but might be slipping on a heavy charge. I use a very wide belt, and it seems to be adequate. The diode thing is a really great answer and could be the culprit. Thanks to all who helped. Jim



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dhermesc

05-27-2005 11:05:01




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 Re: Charging Amps in reply to Jim in North Carolina, 05-27-2005 10:21:42  
Check the wiring to the lights. Could have a NEAR short (wires heating up?) You are dealing with old wiring that has probably had its share of splices and corrosion. If a 2 gauge battery cable can go bad in to 10 years what’s to stop a 20 gauge wire from going bad in 50 years?



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Bob

05-27-2005 09:28:30




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 Re: Charging Amps in reply to Jim in North Carolina, 05-27-2005 08:45:11  
The ammeter is probably mis-wired. The power lead from the battery goes to one ammeter terminal, and the alternator output and ALL electrical loads connect to the other side



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