Hot voltage regulator - No charge

[DFZ]

Im working on my IH 284 with a Hitachi Alternator and a solid state voltage regulator. Electrical is one area where my knowledge is lacking.

The tractor was not charging so I replaced the voltage regulator. (inexpensive amazon replacement). It lasted a month and went bad so I replaced it again but immediately found that it was not charging, and within a minute the regulator was hot to the touch.

I have tried to trace all the wires and all appear in good shape with good continuity.

Could this be an alternator problem? Or bad regulators and I need to shell out the cash for a high quality regulator?

Thanks.

(I know this is an IH question, but it relates to all brands)

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

I don't have a specific answer to your question but hot implies a short circuit. So either the regulator was bad out of the package of you have some wires crossed up.

 

[Janicholson]

Assuming an external regulator! If the alternator rotor windings have a short the regulator will heat. The regulator provides variable levels of voltage to the rotor through a slip ring and a carbon brush. the second brush grounds the rotor so it has a current path. If you can find the resistance value for the rotor, Probably about 3 or 4 ohms, measuring the actual ohms will tell the story. Taking it to a auto electric store (call them with the model before going) would be another option. Jim