circuit turn off

[old codger]

I am not sure I am turning the tractor off properly.
I have recently aquired a 35x and the battery seems to loose charge over a couple of days while sitting there. I have charged it back up with a charger and then had the positive lead disconnected for 3 days and it has held charge.
So when you operate the key to activate the starter motor the key then springs back to the off "0" position and this is the position it sits while the tractor is running. In the manual it says to stop the tractor you pull the injector pump stop to stop the motor then turn the tractor off. But the switch already is off.
So is the tractor totally off once I have pulled the pump pull and if so
do I have a fault in the wiring ?

 

[Harry in Ky]

Not sure about a 35x, I think that's the 23C Standard deisel. The 35 diesels I've worked on were 3 cyl Perkins, and have a switch as you described. They have a pressure switch on the oil line to the pressure gauge, which activates the electrical circuits when the engine starts and builds oil pressure. When you stop the engine and oil pressure ceases, the switch opens and the circuits turn off. You might start there, and also check the voltage regulator which should not have any path to ground with engine off if the system is working properly. The Standard Diesel version was far less common than the Perkins in the US, but they're still alive and well in the UK. There is an online forum based in UK, Vintage Tractor Engineer Forums, where you can get some more info. I learned more about the 23C from the guys over there than anywhere else.

 

[Jo Bird]

Most ignition switches have 3 positions off, run and start. From the off position you turn the switch to the start position to activate the starter, when the engine starts you release the switch and it springs back to the run position, not the off position..In the run position other electrical things like lights and charging system are still connected. If you have a hour meter, it to is still running. The hour meter will run down the battery or you have a short some where else in the elect. system.

 

[Chip812]

Sounds like you're leaving the switch in the 'ON' position... I have gauges on mine that will go to 'zero' when the switch is off... Maybe you could hook up something that would let you know that you've left it on? Maybe an indicator light... (I just go by my gas gauge and volt meter)...
8)

 

[Chas]

From your description, it sounds like a diesel. The starter switch has two directions from 'O', Start to the right, 'Heat' and 'Heat+Start' to the left. Normal run (and stopped) is 'O'. If it takes 3 days to run down, the drainage will be milliamps and will not show on the ammeter. If you have a multimeter it could be useful. Nothing should be in circuit when the engine is stopped. When the engine starts, the regulator pulls in and connects generator to battery. With the engine stopped, the battery should be isolated.
Most likely is the regulator contacts stuck, (assuming no dodgy wiring !) leaving the gennie connected. Check that the ammeter shows amps charging when the engine is running, dropping to little/flickering as the battery charges up - just a slow drop off to low amps/steady may show stuck contacts. If the system has been modified with an alternator fitted,check it has been done correctly
Outside possibilities are accumulated 'gunge' in/around the starter/solenoid causing slow leakage. Your multimeter could be useful to check this.
Best of luck !

 

[old codger]

Sorry fellas, yes it is a 3cyl perkins diesel. The generator looks fairly original and the starter motor is brand new.
Most diesels I have had to do with you have to turn the electrical circuit off after you have pulled the stop cord to the injector pump.
So if the battery is losing charge when connected but holding charge when dis-connected it must be a fault in the regulator. I think??
I did think of installing a terminal connector to the battery with a intergral off on switch but that is only skirting round the problem.