49 Farmall M 6V regulator

Thanks much for the very helpful information. The charging does seem to be performing within the parameters you describe. This M has lights, but they were disconnected by previous owner and I haven"t needed them. System only has to handle starter and ignition. I plan to pick up a dropping resistor to cut coil input voltage down and protect the points. I will check battery and charging periodically during next operations of tractor now that I know what to watch for.

Thanks again.

John T

Thanks for the additional info. I think I'll just leave it as is and see how the points hold up. Should they require too frequent replacement, I'll add the resistor.

As long as the Cutout Relay portion of the VR is pulling in and drops out at shut down or slow idle, I wouldnt worry too much about it, cuz as long as its pulled in, whatever the genny can deliver ????? is connected to the battery. Its true she may work with or without many VR adjustments, but dont expect it to be a workhorse charging system.

If its a 6 volt battery n coil ignition, the points may burn up a tad earlier.

Let us know

John T

Can test by watching the ammeter. From idle slowly increase the RPMs - the ammeter hand should suddenly "snap" from a few amps of discharge to 5 - 10 amps of charge when the cutout pulls in.

Conversely when slowing the RPMs down, as they approach idle the ammeter will briefly show a fairly substantial discharge (like 8 - 10 amps) then immediatley swing back to a couple amps discharge when the cutout opens.

And at shutdown down the ammeter should indicate exactly 0 after everything stops moving.

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If the cutout doesn't pull in above idle RPM, the spring tension is too HIGH. And if it remains pulled in at low idle or after shutdown, spring tension is too LOW.

If you must adjust the spring tension do it in smallest increments possible. Cutout relay spring adjustment is very sensitive as you will find!!