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Yes, you should polarize a generator when imstalling it. Be SURE the battery is connected as intended for your machine. MANY old tractors were positive ground. Many of the more common generators, Delco for example, were considerd "A" circuit generators. To polarize this style, you momentarily connect the "BATT" terminal at the cutout or regulator to the "GEN" terminal at the regulator (sometimes labelled "ARM") with a jumper wire, BEFORE initial startup of the engine. This magnetizes the field coils in the genrator, and a small amount of residual magnetism will remain, so that the generator will charge with the polarity matching that of the battery, upon startup. If you have a "B" circuit generator, the procedure is a bit different. Here's a link to Jim Cox's Ford tractor electrical site, showing schematics of the "A" and "B" systems. This "A" and "B" circuit designation will apply to other makes, as well. Be sure you know what you have before attempting to polarize the generator.
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