I have a one wire chevy alternator on my tractor. Tractor has been rewired front to back. When I put the amp gauge in the line it will tack a 30amp gauge all the time when the engine is above like 1000rpm. I have checked for shorts checked for grounds got a new battery and even tried a different alternator. Could both alternators have the same problem? Could it be the battery? I am out of ideas? Thanks
Bob M
Well-known Member
Assuming the alterator and ammeter are wired up correctly problem's gotta be one of two things: Battery is not fully charged (ie. it is accepting high charging current) or the internal regulators on both alternators are not working right.
If you have an accurate DC voltmeter take a voltage reading across the battery with the engine running at 1,000 RPM or more. If the voltmeter reads greater than 14.75 - 15.0 volts the problem is the internal regulator in the alternator.
A reading less than 14.75 volts says the battery is partially discharged. Running 30 - 60 minutes should cause the ammeter reading to gradually taper off to 3 - 5 amps or so as the battery reaches full charge - assuming the battery is in otherwise good condition that is...
If you have an accurate DC voltmeter take a voltage reading across the battery with the engine running at 1,000 RPM or more. If the voltmeter reads greater than 14.75 - 15.0 volts the problem is the internal regulator in the alternator.
A reading less than 14.75 volts says the battery is partially discharged. Running 30 - 60 minutes should cause the ammeter reading to gradually taper off to 3 - 5 amps or so as the battery reaches full charge - assuming the battery is in otherwise good condition that is...
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