hydraulic fluid and battery question

[B Bair]

52 8n sidemount. The last time I mowed, noticed an odd smell. When I shut it down I noticed the battery was the cause. Smelled like acid, sounded like it had an air leak and did have a little acid that had ran out of what looks like a vent? Never had any starting problems or dead battery. Next is the hydraulic fluid. I use a belly mover and snow blade. previously checked the fluid level but there is no mark on the dipstick. I wasnt having any problems so I didnt worry much about it. I put the blade on the other night and when raising it would be ok till reaching a certain height and then would hesitate while raising the rest the way. I suspect I am low on fluid. I dont see in the manual where the level check plug is at or if I have one. Appreciate any help.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Is your ammeter working? Did you happen to check it before you shut down?
Sounds(smells?) like your genny is overcharging the battery.

 

[old]

The inspection plate that has the dip stick in it take to lowest bolt out and fill with fluid till oil comes out that hole and you will have it at the full level then you can make a mark on the dip stick if you want so you know when it is getting low.
As for the battery sounds like your charging system has a sticking V.R. and is over charging your battery and that will cause a battery to go bad fast

 

[B Bair]

I forgot to mention that is was switched to a 12 volt system at some time. It has an alternator. There is no ammeter. the previous owner put a temp gauge in that hole. I have read many posts about the need for an ammeter and looks as if I am gonna have to make that change. Also been seeing the posts on the vr. I will be reading up on that also. Is there any checking that I can do right now that will tell me the problem or do I need to get the ammeter installed and go from there? I will be checking the fluid later tonight for the hydraulics now that I know what bolt to take out. Thanks guys.

 

[B Bair]

I have not read much about the vr yet and perhaps a dumb question but is the vr in the alternator? Alternator has be whining for a while, thought is was from overfilling the radiator and getting antifreeze blown into it.

 

[36 Coupe]

Alternators whine when they are charging at a high rate.Your battery is at risk.

 

[old]

Any type of charging system has to have some sort of V.R. or they would charge a battery way to much and that in true will cause one to go bad and can even cause a battery to explode

 

[B Bair]

Because something is wrong with the voltage regulator? How can i tell what alternator I have. I have not taken it off but all I can see is delco 15R. can the voltage regulator be changed or is it best to replace the alternator?

 

[Hobo,NC]

Forget the useless amp meter,,, install a voltmeter....

 

[36 Coupe]

You can replace internal regulators.The failure rate is high on these internal regulators.Ive found some that have been replaced with out using the heat conductive grease.

 

[36 Coupe]

You can buy an induction test meter for 8 bucks that will test the alternators out put.Dont get to close to the alternator it self because you can get a false reading.Ive had 2 of these meters since cars started using idiot lights.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 19:12:29 10/28/10) Because something is wrong with the voltage regulator? How can i tell what alternator I have. I have not taken it off but all I can see is delco 15R. can the voltage regulator be changed or is it best to replace the alternator?

efore replacing "stuff", do one or two simple things, or both: connect a voltmeter (portable, hand held multi-meter) across the battery posts and measure battery voltage both stopped & running at speed. Safe at speed maximum voltage is 15.2 volts (14.6 v better) AND this should be about 2 volts above the battery 'at-rest' voltage.
The second thing to do, is to take alternator to a parts house for a free test.