john deere 50

[Brice Mull]

i just restored a john deere 50 put all new gauges on it,the amp meter shows discharge when i turn the switch on.it stayes the same when it is runing.any ideas

 

[PopinJohn]

The ammeter is supposed to show if the generator is charging or not.
Slight discharge when key is turned on would be current drain on battery, but with engine running and generator working should show charging.
Some of these reproduction ammeters (read cheap) won't indicate anything.

 

[buickanddeere]

You wired it wrong.
The generator connection goes on the post opposite the post that connects to the battery.
The ammeter should swing + when running at medium to high revs. - at idle or if the lights are on with the engine shutdown.

 

[bill mart]

dont think he wired the ammeter wrong,it "should " show discharge when the switch is on and not running.If it still shows discharge while running then its probably not charging for some reason.Bill M.

 

[Looney]

Sounds like it's negative ground and should be positive. Jump the terminals and see if this helps.

 

[John T]

Its normal for an ammeter (if wired correct) to show a slight - discharge of around 4 or so amps if the ignition is turned on and shes not running as thats coil current draw. HOWEVER if the genny is working once started she should show a positive charge so it sounds like SHES NOTTTTTTTTTT CHARGING.

Be sure shes wired correct???????? and she was originally POSITIVE GROUND YA KNOW and then Polarize the genny (BEFORE start up) and start her n see what happens??????? If she still shows a discharge and isnt charging, follow my Troubleshooting Procedure below......

http://www.ytmag.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=farmall&th=665110

John T

John Ts Charging Troubleshooting