8n reading 0 volts - running

[jrpontiac]

I"m having a charging problem with my 8n. I"m under the impression that I should be able to disconnect the battery while the tractor is running and it should continue to run. If this is incorrect I have no problem.

When the tractor is not running battery reads 6 volts. Battery terminal on voltage regulator is showing 6v. Fld and Atm terminals on voltage regulator read 0v.

When it is running all the terminals on the voltage regulater read 0. And across the battery terminals I get 0 volts. I can"t get a

It seems odd that I am getting a 0 volt reading across the battery when it is running.

When I got from the starter back to the ground I"m getting 1.13v.

I know I have a problem just not sure where to start.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[lha]

If you had 0 volts at the batt,your motor couldn't run. You must have at the very least voltage to the coil for the spark plugs to fire. There is something screwy going on with your meter,wiring or something.---lha

 

[Jerry/MT]

Your voltage make no sense except when the tractor is not running

Are you using a digital volt meter? If so, get an analog meter. These old tractor electrical systems throw off so much RF that you can"t get reliable readings on most digital VOM"s

 

[old]

Never good to unhook battery cables with one running. You can let the smoke out of things real fast doing so and if you have an alternator you can also smoke test your self and that can in turn end you up 6 foot under. Bit since you say 6 volts I do not know if a generator system can do that or not.. Now as for your reading what type of meter are you using and what do you have it set on?? Sounds like you either do not have a good meter or you do nt know how to use it or it might be a digital which do get odd readings from tractors

 

[36 Coupe]

Trash the voltmeter and read your ammeter.

 

[Jim SC]

Is your N a diesel? How can it run with zero volts?

 

[Bruce (VA)]

If you keep disconnecting that generator while it's running, there will be no question that it is putting out 0 volts because you will fry it. W/ no load (as in the battery) it can put out up to 17-20 volts. That heat is going to melt the solder in the generator.

We have no idea what you are using as a meter, but it sounds like it's an digital one. Get an expensive one if you prefer digital ($100 +) or a cheap analog meter. (tip # 47)

You should see 6.35v at the battery w/ the engine off & about 7.35v when running.

Post back w/ more info please.
50 Tips

 

[souNdguy]

as the others said. loose the cheap consumer grade auto ranger digital vom and get a 10$ analog one.

also.. as the others said. unloading the genny by removing cables ain't healthy for it.

polarize the system by jumping armt to bat for a second, then see what ya got.

post back for info on a motor test and a full field test.

soundguy