alternator conversion question

[Ray IN]

I have read most of the posts on alternator
conversions, but still have a couple questions. If
using the idiot light in the exciter wire, do you
still want a resistor to protect the alternator?
Would it be best to put a resistor and diode in
parallel with the idiot light so it will still work
if the bulb burns out?

Thanks

 

[PJH]

Hi Ray - the bulb will last forever. No need for anything more.

 

[old]

Idiot lights are just that made for an idiot. Me I never use a light bulb I use a Radio Shack 276-1661 diode and be done with it. Cost is around $3 for a pack of 4

 

[John T]

" If using the idiot light in the exciter wire, do you still want a resistor to protect the alternator? "

An incandescent light bulb (idiot light) ALREADY HAS RESISTANCE and that suffices and actually serves TWO PURPOSES. It serves as a charge indicator (idiot light) PLUS it prevents ignition feedback and run on so the tractor doesn't keep running with the ignition OFF.

"Would it be best to put a resistor and diode in
parallel with the idiot light so it will still work if the bulb burns out?"

Actually some people do just that.

Many gents use a diode to prevent ignition feedback and ignition run on BUT a simple cheaper easy to install (no worry with polarity like a diode) resistor alone can do that PLUS it provides some degree of current limiting........... An idiot light provides charge indication PLUS prevents feedback..........A resistor prevents feedback PLUS some degree of current limiting.

THOSE ARE THE FACTS YOU MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICE

Idiot Light orrrrrrrr Resistor orrrrrrrrr Diode

John T

 

[John T]

"Idiot lights are just that made for an idiot"

LOL True, an IDIOT can look to see if the light stays on USUALLY MEANS NO CHARGE or if its OFF USUALLY MEANS CHARGE......Or a person can use or install a voltmeter or an ammeter to see if its charging or not..........However a person wants to do it is fine with me, idiot light or voltmeter or ammeter.

Take care Rich, keep warm now

John T

 

[old]

Most of the tractor I have or have worked on I used a diode on but my Oliver S88 came with a 12 volt set up and it has a simple ballast resister on it and it works fine so I have not fixed what isn't broken

 

[PJH]

I used a light bulb because it was what I had when I needed the tractor to run to finish a hay cutting. That was 25 years or more ago, so the "temporary fix" has held up pretty good, considering the bulb and it's pigtail was clipped from under an old truck dash, ha. The ammeter is still in the dash, so if I'm feeling technical I look at the ammeter. As long as it works - it's not a show queen.

 

[old]

If all you where doing is getting by all you had to do was touch the excite wire to the big post of the alternator which would have excited it and then let it hang there because once excited it will stay excited till you shut the engine off