620 stopped charging battery

[Dan Nickels]

I was mowing hay with my 620, and noticed amp meter not
registering a charge...got back to the barn tried to restart
620 and battery was too weak to start it. I am not the most
proficient auto-electriction alive and not sure where to
start. I bought this tractor in 1970 and never had this
problem. I see Steiner has a voltage regulator for 38 bucks,
but don't know if that may be the problem.. I can take the
generator for rebuild ( closest shop is 25 miles away), but
don't know if that will help either...Can anyone give a
suggestion ??? Thank you...Dan

 

[JD Dave]

It's probably only one of three possible problems: A bad battery. Load test it to confirm. A bad generator and/or a bad regulator. Best bet is to take the generator AND the regulator to your favorite starter/generator guy for rebuild or replacement.

 

[Hayfarmer]

If John T doesn't respond, he had a procedure in archives to test charging system. Best to do that before throwing parts at it

 

[centash]

Could be a loose fan belt...

 

[RLA]

It could be something very simple,Genny lost it's ground to the tractor frame,a broken wire?
Loosen & retighten the mounting bolts might fix it, a stuck brush in the genny..

 

[susandiane]

Check the fan belt as suggested. It's the easiest and cheapest possibility and it will not charge if loose. I inadvertently proved that. Other suggestions are good too, especially load testing battery. Could be a bad cable. Had that happen once when a cable looked perfect. By hook or crook find and copy John T's trouble shooting guide. It's the go-to electrical problem tester/solver.

 

[Brownie450]

I'd vote to check the brushes first. They
could be worn out or hanging up in the
brush holders.
Jim

 

[Dan Nickels]

Thanks guys for the replies !! I tried tightening the fan belt (to no avail) and that expended all my expertise. I will now try other suggestions ( still trying to find Johnt guide...thanks..Dan

 

[John T]

Try this: It can help find the problem and tell if its more the genny orrrrrrrrr the Voltage Regulator causing the problem.

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=ttalk&th=2060825

John T
John Ts Charging Troubleshooting

 

[Dan Nickels]

John T , thank you for your troubleshooting instructions ! I really didn't want to start spending money not knowing where to start...these look like excellent (and easy to understand ) steps to follow. I now have more confidence to tackle this problem.. Thank you...Dan

 

[John T]

Youre welcome hope it helps

John T

 

[fdt860]

This site has great articles about two and three prushes generator. Those have been helpful for me before.

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/articles/artint29.htm

 

[Dan Nickels]

John T, thank you for sharing the most informative Trouble shooting guide !! The problem appeared to be a stuck brush spring...with a touch of WD40, the problem seems to be corrected.. Thank you so much ! Dan