ford 2000 3cyl generator light

[kenbob]

When I started my 2000 3cyl gas today the generator ligth did not go out. It is full bright the best I can determine. I watched the Rachael Gingal you tube on the charging system. My battery is charged by the tractor and had 12v remaining when i tested with a multimeter. It did NOT go up after I started the tractor. I did the voltage regulator test, but the generator on their video is not exactly like mine. (that tractor was a diesel). My generator has a post on the side near the back that doesn't appear in her video. I pulled of the flat connector off the back of the starter (as in the video) I tested that plug to ground and am getting little or no voltage. Just for grins I tested the post on the side of the generator and I could get a little voltage there but not enough. So, it would appear it is the voltage regulator. I am fine with ordering a new one from yt as they are only $25. Just asking if I am doing something wrong on the test, or not getting the right conclusion. fyi the belt is tight. That connection for the flat plug on the back of the starter was a little loose I tightened it. No change. Until today the light never was lit during operation.
Thanks all

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

I went through charging problems on mine last year. I replaced the regulator with one from Brillman but the lower-priced import because it "looked" like the original but of course kept the old one. It worked a few years but started acting like yours. Somebody here sent me the Lucas manual. Be prepared to be thoroughly confused. It's a B system so work through the checks carefully. I finally tried the original reg and it's been working fine. The first problem was actually the battery had a dead cell.

 

[kenbob]

Thanks so much for sending!

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

Thanks so much for sending!

Hope it helps. Took me a while to figure it out. B circuit fields are energized from the small wire to the generator. All those contacts on the reg are confusing.

 

[shaun wallace]

Bet brushes are worn out. That is where I would start.

 

[kenbob]

I dids the test from the form manual Mike sent. Not getting much voltage. I agree it is the brushes. Easy enough to remove. I have a Case 300 that I think has the same problem. I have to take all the sheetmetal off just to get to the generator. THat one will wait till winter

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

I've done a few generators. General cleanup, check the brushes, make sure they're in contact, polish the commutators. I always end with cleaning the surfaces where the end caps meet the frame and file clean the mounting ears. Generator grounding is just as important as the cables.

 

[kenbob]

THanks, you have been a big help