Learned Something Yesterday

Okay fine, this engine doesn't have a total of 3 hours on it yet as the tractor is under a loader as is used very sporadically.

Noticed a couple of days after getting it back from the Red Shop that the alternator light wasn't working. Heck with it; I'll fix it later when I have more time; probably just a burned out bulb anyway.

A week ago, the darned tractor started missing. Changed the plugs a couple of times, but it continued to go back to missing within just a few minutes each time.

Should note here that the ignition has been changed over to solid state. No points.

Long story short, the thing wouldn't start when I was trying to feed cattle yesterday; dead battery, so I put the charger on it for two hours.

Used it last night and after charging the battery, the engine miss is gone.

Was working in the dark so after a bit turned on the lights because the yard light wasn't enough.

Engine miss immediately came back when I turned that switch.

Okay, I get it now. :>)

Allan

Lot's of old cars with no battery would push start because the generator would self excite enough to spark the old style point system.

That's a problem with alternators on old tractors: most of them are not set up to turn fast enough to really put out the current they were designed for.

The answer finally soaked into my old worn out pee brain just as soon as I threw that light switch.

That solid state ignition needs a good healthy and steady supply of proper voltage to work right.

Not like the old point systems that would just run until they dropped from starvation.

'Spose I'd better stop and fix that light/charging system. There's a reason they are refered to as "idiot lights". I'm living proof. :>)

Allan

I remember back couple of years, was headed for Detroit, modern day Mack with all the bells and whistles. I noticed the Mack was not charging, so pulled into rest area on I-94. Got a set of jump cables from another trucker, hooked the truck batteries to the refer charging system, for about 45 min. until the other guy wanted to leave. Since it was now daylight, I figured without lights on, I'd be good for downtown Detroit. WRONG, at the 12 mile that Mack electronic injection pump had been drawing so much juice, the Mack died, I-94 at the 12 miles to my destination, Detroit rush hour. I learned something that day. A 12', 10 gauge jump wire from refer to truck electrical system would have kept me going. It's now a perminant fixture in that truck. You best install a volt meter.

By the way, I don't think we're idiots, we just shouldn't trust modern day idiots.