Battery loosing charge

[CMorris]

Guys:

1952 8N side mount distr 6V Positive ground. Having problem with my 8N loosing charge. I fully charge her up a night and the next day it cranks ok originally but fails to keep the charge during the day. After taking a break a couple of times to re-fuel it fails to crank over. Doesn't seem to be related to the tractor being hot or cold. Help.

 

[R Geiger (or)]

What is the ampmeter doing? are you showing a charge or discharge? does it show a discharge when not running? IF you are showing a plus charge when running the battery may be bad. IF you are not showing a charge when running the the generator or regulator may be bad. With a bad regulator (not showing charge or discharge when running) you should be able to run for a fairly long time before the battery is drained. I am doing that with mine dow. I have a reg on my table to install. my generator works but the voltage coil in reg is bad.
Good luck

 

[Bruce (VA)]

A good fully charged battery should start & run your N for a few weeks w/ no other charge at all. Check out tip #49; I'd say you have a bad battery.
50 Tips

 

[CMorris]

Showing about +7 on the ammeter when running, and +2 with the ignition on, and 0 with the ignition off. Also, just installed a new VRegulator. Although, this tractor since i have had it has not held a charge, ever for the past 4 years. Probably the battery. It's from 2005.

 

[HCooke]

Time to replac the battery.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

Hmmmmmm........

Cost of a new v/r: $30
Cost of a new hydrometer: $5
Cost of learning how to troubleshoot a non-charging battery: Priceless

Consider the $25 difference as tuition in tractor mechanics 101.
50 Tips

 

[CMorris]

Sounds good to me. Thanks.

 

[Den N Ms]

It sounds to me like its discharging and the wires on the ampmeter are hooked up backwards.It should show a discharge of -2 - -3 when you turn on the ignition switch and the engine is not running.Use a volt meter and test the battery voltage with the switches off and engine not running.Then start it up and check the voltage across the battery with it running.If its truly charging +7 amps you would have more voltage @ the battery.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Bruce,I have 2 hydrometers that cost me 89 cents each.Still amazed that so many cant read an ammeter.My dad explained the ammeter in his Model A roadster when I was 3 years old after he saw me watching it.