charging system on a 4010 diesel

My tractor is not charging because the batteries always end up dead. I have the factory 24 volt system. How can I check the generator with the tractor running to see if it works? If this checks out good, what"s next the voltage regulator, and how can it be tested? This problem is getting old real quick because it always has to be jumped or coast started and it always stalls in the worst places.

Thanks!

Thanks

To see if the generator is charging, measure the voltage between the A, blue wire circuit, and the B circuit, brown wire circuit, with engine off. Start engine, run about 1500 RPM, if voltage goes up the generator is charging. If you don't get voltage rise, full field the generator by connecting a jumper wire from the field terminal and A 2 terminal on the back of the generator. Measure voltage between A1 terminal, and field terminal with the jumper wire still connected. If voltage goes up the generator is capable of charging.

Jim

That's NOT true, although it won't HURT, if done properly.

At this point, he MAY need to polarize the generator, however, in general, it DOES NOT need to be done to a working system, just because the batteries were disconnected.

Do you know HOW to explain how to do it on the 24-Volt systems? I have not done it for a LONG time, and, as you know, you only get ONE chance with these 24-Volt systems, or ALL the SMOKE gets let out, IN A HURRY!

That's why I did not suggest it, as I would rather admit ignorance (forgetfullness?) than steer him wrong as to the correct procedure for this 24-Volt system!

Anyhow, restoring the residual magnetism in the soft iron polepieces and the "belly" of the generator is what "polarizing" is all about.

It needs to be done when a NEW generator is installed, the old generator has been apart for repairs, or has been off of the tractor, and banged around a bit, OR the machine has sat unused for a LLLOOOONNNNN GGGG time!

Simply disconnecting the batteries or some wiring for a while will have NO effect on the residual magnetism in the generator, so there's no need to "polarize" it, under those circumstances.

Gerald J.

You should be seeing at least 28 Volts, if the charging system is working.

If it's not charging, I hesitate to suggest you mess with the regulator, as, with the high system voltage, it's real easy to let the smoke out! Don't wear rings or watches, etc., with metal bands, 'cause if you short them across the 24-Volt system, they'll burn you a hurry!

As the other poster said, a short in the starter can drain the batteries while it sits unused, as well as a short in the generator.

Either can be shorted by brush debris, moisture, and dirt, not to mention a bad field coil OR armature.

The key switch or light switch can drain the batteries over time, if full of damp dirt and debris.

Also, a battery cable with bad insulation, laying in the damp dirt and debris under the floorboards can drain the battery(s).