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Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Forum
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VOLTAGE REGULATOR

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BOBM25

04-21-2006 04:41:54




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The voltage regulator on the smta is not working correctly, I think. Top set of points won't stay closed tight enough to charge battery. If you push them together with a screwdriver gauge says its charging, soon as you let go, gauge goes to discharge. Tractor has brand new battery and voltage regulator is only about year and a half old. Never did really charge right from the get go. Only good for half a dozen starts or so, then would be dead. Do I need a new regulator? They are about 40 bucks. I don't want to buy one if I don't have to, but I'm getting tired of jerking this thing around the farm. I did the whole polarize the generator deal when I changed the regulator. What do you guys think?

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Dellbertt

04-21-2006 07:52:56




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 Re: VOLTAGE REGULATOR in reply to BOBM25, 04-21-2006 04:41:54  
Bob, It is very easy to screw up the polarizing procedure and I have messed up new regulators doing it. When you buy a new reg, tell your electronic shop what it is going on and let them polarize it. Then Disconnect Your Battery until the new reg is in place. If there is one thing I have learned it is that you have to disconnect the circuit battery before installing a new reg.

If you have a brand new battery maybe there is nothing wrong with your reg at all. Maybe its just reading the new, up to snuff battery.

Dell

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Bob M

04-21-2006 09:14:21




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 Re: VOLTAGE REGULATOR in reply to Dellbertt, 04-21-2006 07:52:56  
Dell - When you "polarize" an electrical system you are setting the polarity of the GENERATOR, not the regulator. (You cannot polarize a regulator - neither at the electric shop nor on the tractor!)

In fact most voltage regulators are polarity insensitive and will work fine either way. The few that are not have a polarity sensitive internal voltage clamping diode or utilize dissimilar contact materials, and they are so marked with design polarity on the cover.

You tip to remove the ground cable from the battery while installing a regulator is an excellent one! It eliminates the possibility of an unexpected shower of sparks and/or destroying some expensive parts...

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Janicholson

04-21-2006 06:07:48




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 Re: VOLTAGE REGULATOR in reply to BOBM25, 04-21-2006 04:41:54  
That terminal is the key to repairing the regulator.
There will be a spring (on the back of the coil tower where it is located) that needs to be made to pull upwards on the contact more than it does now. (just like what you do with the screwdriver.) Sometimes there is a bent tab of metal to bend, and sometimes there is a screw adjuster to lengthen the spring.

Charge the battery fully with a charger.

Open the regulator cover, and start the tractor.

Use the - voltmeter lead on the battery terminal of the regulator , and the + lead on the meter to good ground.

Adjust the voltage to 6.8 to 7.1 volts. this will charge the battery well, but not overcharge.

Replace the VR lid and check the voltage again, the lid affects the magnetism in the regulator and can cause under, or overcharging. If still in spec, button things up. If not adjust the cover off voltage so that the cover on voltage is good.

The Amp gauge may not show high charge (because the battery is full) but if the volts are correct it will do the trick.

Good luck (old auto repair books are a great source of info)
JimN

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Bama Bob

04-21-2006 05:28:44




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 Re: VOLTAGE REGULATOR in reply to BOBM25, 04-21-2006 04:41:54  
Did you polarize the regulator.Touch a wire to the battery and gen.terminals on the regulator for about 3 seconds with switch off.This may help.



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Bob M

04-21-2006 05:04:51




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 Re: VOLTAGE REGULATOR in reply to BOBM25, 04-21-2006 04:41:54  
Make sure the voltage regulator is SOLIDLY grounded to the frame. Even run an auxiliary ground wire from a good ground to the regulator base if necessary.

If that doesn't do it you need new regulator...it'll be $40 well spent!



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Bob

04-21-2006 06:20:52




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 Re: VOLTAGE REGULATOR in reply to Bob M, 04-21-2006 05:04:51  
Also, if the regulator is rubber-mounted, there will be a tiny braided ground jumper wire from the regulator to it's mounting base, bypassing the rubber mounts. Those ground leads sometimes break, and the regulator is no longer grounded.

BobM gave you good advice as far as replacing the regulator.

If you continue to mess with it without knowing exactly what you are doing, sooner or later, those big points on the "cutout" part of the regulator are gonna stick closed, and, at shutdown, all the smoke will be let out of the voltage regulator, wiring harness, and maybe even the whole tractor!

(Don't ask how I know this!)

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Bob M

04-21-2006 07:00:41




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 Re: VOLTAGE REGULATOR in reply to Bob, 04-21-2006 06:20:52  
Good point on that braided grounding jumper! (I shoulda stated attach aux ground wire “to the REGULATOR” not “to the regulator BASE”…)

Also sage advice the effect of stuck cutout contacts. Not only may it let the “smoke” out of the regulator, it can also cause the smoke to come out of the generator (and possibly the rest of the tractor if conditions are right...) You DON’T want that! ...Bob M

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