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504 Alternator Conversion Question

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Duane WI

07-10-2006 10:09:51

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The battery on my 504 diesel wasn't charging right so this weekend I spent some time working on it. This tractor is new to me and has been converted to alternator. I found some frayed wire insulation that I think was shorting out so I replace the wire and got a nice steady 14.5 volts accross the battery. I noticed that there is not any resistor in the wire going to the alternator for exciting voltage. There is simply a 14 or 16 gauge wire from the key switch to the alternator. Do you guys think this is a problem? I checked to make sure that none of the wiring is getting hot from too much current draw and everything seems okay. The other question I have is there anyway to make the charge light work with an alternator? Right now it is just disconnected. But I would like to make it work so the light comes on if the alternator isn't working. Would I be better just to install a voltage meter like is used in a car? Thanks for the help.

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El Toro

07-10-2006 11:36:26

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Re: 504 Alternator Conversion Question in reply to Duane WI, 07-10-2006 10:09:51

I think I would use a volt meter. I would wire it through the ignition switch so there's no voltage draw on the battery when the engine is shut down. Hal

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Gary in Mozarks

07-10-2006 10:46:02

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Re: 504 Alternator Conversion Question in reply to Duane WI, 07-10-2006 10:09:51

Sounds like you have a one wire alternater, which is internally excited. They use them alot on hot rods etc, because its simple to install, but the idiot light on the dash won't work with them. you need a voltage or amp gauge . IF you use an old Delco 10SI or 12SI they are a three wire alternater and you need a resistance in the curcit to make it work, so the dash light works fine for them. The confusing part is that the one wire alternaters still have the plug on the back edge of the case just like a three wire alternater (although the rebuilders ususally put a plug over it. I usually have to go back and look at the diagram to hook up a three wire, and get it right, but the diagram is easy to find if you type alternater conversion diagram in your web browser. There is probably a diagram here somewhere on YT too.

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John T

07-10-2006 10:38:54

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Re: 504 Alternator Conversion Question in reply to Duane WI, 07-10-2006 10:09:51

Duane, When I wire the excitation circuit that feeds voltage to a GM 10 SI's lil No. 1 terminal I USE AND RECOMMEND a 10 ohm current limiting safety resistor which can serve to protect the internal diodes HOWEVER many use no current limiting there and NEVER have a problem same as I have, its your choice, but Im a conservative who believes in an ounce or prevention is worth more then a pound of cure n better to be safe then sorry Sooooo ooo I use the 10 ohm current limiting safety resistor, then only add a diode if necessary to prevent feedbacking the coil if she runs on even after the ignition is switched off. Ive seen such resistances in GM wiring diagrams and also heard the same precaution note from a GM engineer and know they work fine that way, so I use the 10 ohm safety resistor..... .. Besides if you feed that excitation circuit via a series Idiot Light, it sure has added resistance and limits the current !!!

Question Two: Its possible to feed that excitation circuit via an idiot charge indicating light, simply place it in series between the switched voltage source and the alternators lil side No. 1 terminal.

A voltmeter is an option that cant hurt and can provide you with good info, you can still use a series ammeter of course.

I think Bob or Bob M even has the part number for that light

John T

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Duane WI

07-10-2006 10:47:46

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Re: 504 Alternator Conversion Question in reply to John T, 07-10-2006 10:38:54

I have seen the drawings showing the idiot light in series with the exciting voltage. I may not be understanding it right but if the light bulb burns out the alternator will not work and you won't know it because the light will not come on. It seems to me the the light bulb is the week link in this system.

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John T

07-10-2006 12:02:31

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Re: 504 Alternator Conversion Question in reply to Duane WI, 07-10-2006 10:47:46

But doesnt the idiot light come on when you turn on the ignition but prior to start????? ? That tells you if the light works or not and then if it dont shut off at RPM then the alternator is bad

Am I correct????? ????? ????? ????

John T

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Gary In Mozarks

07-10-2006 11:08:54

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Re: 504 Alternator Conversion Question in reply to Duane WI, 07-10-2006 10:47:46

that only applies to a 3 wire setup. I am pretty sure you have a one wire alternater. Check out the question below about converting a 140 6 volt to 12 volt. Gary

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Duane WI

07-10-2006 11:57:45

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Re: 504 Alternator Conversion Question in reply to Gary In Mozarks, 07-10-2006 11:08:54

I am pretty sure it is a 3 wire alternator. It is a diesel so the tractor will run with the key off. When the tractor is running and the key is on there is 14.5 volts on the battery. If the key is turned off the voltage drops to 13.6 volts on the battery. Thanks to all for the feedback. I think I will get a 10 ohm resistor installed the next chance I get and also put in a voltage meter. Again thanks for the help.

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Gary in Mozarks

07-10-2006 12:38:09

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Re: 504 Alternator Conversion Question in reply to Duane WI, 07-10-2006 11:57:45

If it is a three wire then a 10 ohm resister or the dash idiot light will work to excite it. G

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