JD Gas 3010 Generator Troubleshooting

[Bob Foos]

How do you tell if the generator is working? (The light is on).
I measured at the battery with the ignition off and measured 12.86v. With the tractor running it measured 12.55v.

 

[Paul_IN]

If the generator and regulator are working I think you should have between 13 and 14 volts at the battery after starting the engine and running it at rated speed. I believe a 12 V battery is nominally around 12.6 volts at rest and so your battery has a little higher nominal voltage. You have a have a higher voltage than the at rest voltage in order for current to flow into the battery and recharge it.

 

[Bob Foos]

So it would appear, since the light is on and I'm not getting good voltage with the tractor running, that the generator is bad.
Next step: I want to convert to an alternator. I have a 12v, positive ground system.
I found an positive ground, 63amp, 12v alternator and mounting bracket at alternatorparts.com. Do I need anything else? And how do I hook up the alternator in place of the generator and regulator?

 

[Anonymous-0]

The generator and regulator should be pretty reliable. Why don't you keep it simple and just have the generator rebuilt and replace the regulator if necessary? Under most circumstances the generator will maintain the battery charge just fine. Take your generator and regulator to a reputable rebuilder and you're fixed.

 

[Anonymous-0]

If your 3010 JD generator light is on, check for loose wires. Before turning it over to a shop check out everything that may possible wrong.
I'm a mechanic, contact me for help free of charge.

 

[Anonymous-0]

If your 3010 JD generator light is on, check for loose wires. Before turning it over to a shop check out everything that may possible wrong.
I'm a mechanic, contact me for help free of charge. [email protected] or
1-704-694-4877