charging problem

[freebird]

Saw a buddy of mine with the hood up on his 49 Case. I asked him today why and he replied, "Charging the battery". He had replaced the generator years ago with a 12v alternator. This is a 2 wire alternator. But he has never got it to show a charge. This has been on the back burner for a number of years for him. What is an easy field test he can do?

[DYT4000]

If he's near an Autozone or an Advanced Auto they will test it for free. Is it a Delco Alternator?

[freebird]

He said it was a GM. We have a NAPA on tha mainland that will test. Since it seems so easy to wire up, my guess is he blew a diode or something.

[DYT4000]

If his alternator is okay, this might help...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/dos0711/10siwiring.jpg

:goodl:

[freebird]

thanks, I'll mail this to him!

[caseman-d]

Two quick test I know of trying is to 1. unplug the wire connector and see if there is a change in the idle. Another quick test is disconnect the ground from while tractor is running.If it stays running it should be chargeing. This test will not work with a mag.

Check all connections and make sure there tight and clean. What does the gauge show, if it's dicharging he may have burned out the built in regulator. Also check the battery, bad battery can cause alt. not to charge.
caseman-d

[freebird]

ok got it, will relay all this.

[Mickey]

2-wires? If one isn't the ground, sounds like one wire is for field winding and needs an external v-reg. Is there a v-reg designed for this Alt installed?

Newer GM alt are wither 1 or 3 wire. Both have built-in v-reg. The 1 wire models just need to be connected to the battery. 3 wire models have the 2 additional wires for idiot light/power connection and the other of the 2 additional wire is for remote voltage sensing that is desirable with long wiring paths.