Electrics - 1401D

[Billy-HT]

Are there better alternators?

Can you use better batteries, for example, a good deep cycle automotive type?

 

[alan-HT]

Why? If you're not getting enough charging, it's more likely the voltage regulator needing replacement than the alternator. If it won't crank right, the battery's old or discharged, the starter's bad, there's a wiring problem in the starting circuit, or you're not using the starting aids.

Of course it's possible to get a bigger alternator, like a bigger hydraulic pump. But it won't be easy, and these are particularly reliable components.

If it's not charging enough, it might be simpler to attach a small charger between uses. The battery is used only for starting so turn the key off when running and it won't drain. (You just won't have lights and horn.) I've hard-wired from my battery a charger terminal on the outside, so I don't have to reach in.

Car batteries are designed to give a brief, powerful current; deep-discharge ones are not. (I've not heard of an "automotive type deep cycle.") Just get the strongest car battery that will fit.

 

[Norm-HT]

There are all kinds of alternators. Getting them to fit under your hood is the problem. A deep cycle battery is not much good for starting because once it gets below about 12.5 volts it won't start anyway. Deep cycle only means you can run it down using lights, radio, etc. and keep recharging it with no damage.

 

[Billy-HT]

The problem comes from sitting for much over a week. The battery is too week by then.

Seems like there is a constant drain even when ignition is off. I've done some searching for a short with no luck. Any common points of drain to check?

I'd rather the electrical be correct than add a patch if possible.

Thanks for the good info...

 

[Norm-HT]

Nothing common, only troubleshooting with a meter will find it. Could be just a bad battery. My battery was old when I got the tractor 8 years ago, but still starts after sitting 3-4 months at a time.

 

[Carey-HT]

Billy charge up the battery use a volt meter and get a reading12.5-13.0 D/C is a good range then remove the cables and let it sit for a few of days and recheck it.If the battery holds replace the cables and let it sit again and see if it drops.If it does Start by pulling fuses one at a time intill you find the one with the draw.If its a slow draw may it be hard to detect so try the couple of days per fuse.You can also take the battery to almost any auto parts store and have them check the battery amps.Over the years I have seen alternaters put a draw also.I've found them easy and on a 84 cougar with every option I just gave up with a good Ole kick on the fender and a few choice words.Then put quick disconnect on cable.

 

[alan-HT]

If your battery is not bad but draining, you could live with it by preventing it between uses through installing a quick-disconnect on one of the terminals or pulling a fuse if you know which one.

But if there's a short, you don't want it to grow to sparklies while you're using it. There aren't many wires to troubleshoot, though if the problem's under the dash (eg the key switch) it's a bit of a job to access it.