JD 50 Generator / Voltage Reg Issue

[Tyler-MO]

Having issues with my 50 generator.
It was just checked and commutor was cleaned everything tested ok, but VR was bad. I replaced the VR with a new one correct for the generator. It shows charge (+) after starting it up and for the first few minutes will continue to show charge. After about 2-3 minutes the ammeter shows a slight discharge. When I idle it down slow enough for the genny to normally quite charging, the ammeter needle will zero out. Sometimes it will go to charging for 2-3 minutes after throttle up and sometimes back to a slight discharge (-). The ammeter is hooked up properly as with the lights on it shows a discharge (-). Battery is good.
What am I missing here...or what else should I check.
Tyler in IL used to be MO

 

[hojon_1]

Tyler,

Had the exact same problem you have with mine after I rebuilt my tractor, including the genny.

Make sure you polarize the generator, search past posts on how to do this, as it"s important that you do this every time you diconnect it. I don"t have the articles handy but with a simple search you"ll find it. When they say momentarily touch the terminal don"t leave the wire on as you just have to tap it and you might also see a spark (arc) which is perfectly normal.

After polarizing the generator my tractor the meter would show a 10 amp charge while at low idle then not show a charge at higher rpm. The two relays inside the VR are designed to cut in and out depending on charging requirements and to protect the generator if too much charge is required (That"s why at higher rpm it shuts down - 0 on the needle). I just idled around until the battery had enough charge through the generator now at higher RPM"s it may show a two amp or less charge. You can charge the battery with a battery charger or Idle around and let it charge up on it"s own and enjoy the ride .

I even took a volt meter and monitored across the battery with the tractor running at idle and again at higher rpm. At lower rpm (charging at 10 amps) my meter showed 13.68 volts. Then at higher RPM"s (Needle went to 0) it showed 13.28 volts. This proves the generator/VR is doing it"s job.

Sorry for the long reply but you have nothing to worry about.

 

[hojon_1]

Tyler "John T" wrote a troubleshooting procedure up for this so search "polarizing generator" and you'll find it.

You don't have a problem so just follow his instructions on polarizing the generator and you'll be fine.

 

[hojon_1]

Tyler "John T" wrote a troubleshooting procedure up for this so search "polarizing generator" and you'll find it.

You don't have a problem so just follow his instructions on polarizing the generator and you'll be fine.

 

[John T]

Tyler, these things are harder to diagnose over the net then if they dont charge at all and a good friend just had the same problem and he did all sorts of tests. From what little info I have my best "guess' is still a VR issue which may not be fixable. If the cover can be removed Id non abrasively as possible clean/buff/polish the relay contacts and check n double check the VR's ground connection. On the genny I would clean the commutator and insure the brush hold down spring assemblies are free n tight n holding the brushes down tightly and insure the belts good and is tight. Perhaps the VR is a tad out of adjustment but Im afraid if you start messing with spring tension or air gaps or try to bend lil tabs you will trash it completely.

Hey if the battery is good and theres not much electrical load on the system it may already be workin good as it can subject to the quality of the VR HECK IF I KNOW, Sorry

Check all connections n grounds n belt n clean VR contacts n genny's commutator n lay hands on it

John T

 

[teddy52food]

I would say the commutator is out of round and the brushes are jumping to cause it to stop charging at high rpm. They are not supposed to work that way. The regulator should hold the same voltage even though the amps will vary, unless the battery is very low on charge.