Voltage Regulator

[Randy K. Crump]

Ford 8N: How do you test a voltage regulator out of the tractor on the bench? I know how to test it installed on the tractor,
but I want to test one before I install it. THANKS!
I can't seem to buy a voltage regulator that works for a long period of time.

 

[R Geiger]

I made a set up to wire it to the tractor to test them and then got tired of them failing so I went to 12 volts. Never have had a charging problem again.

I mounted reg on a board and ran the wires like normal plus making sure I had a ground wire. It really worked pretty good.

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley]

Though it is a fact many new aftermarket parts can be junk out of the box, it's highly unlikely you keep getting bad ones over and over. I would look into the wiring closely -sumpthin' ain't right Lucy. 6V/POS GRN setup? Yes, you can bench test the cutout and/or Voltage Regulator, BUT, it maters which generator you are using. The 8N used 3 different gennys. 11.5 AMP output on first two, 20 AMP output on 3rd. The I&T FO-4 Manual has the test procedures.

TPD

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 22:50:37 12/26/18) Ford 8N: How do you test a voltage regulator out of the tractor on the bench? I know how to test it installed on the tractor,
but I want to test one before I install it. THANKS!
I can't seem to buy a voltage regulator that works for a long period of time.

ull in and drop out specs can be verified with a precision/filtered variable power supply and quality volt meter. And additional supply is needed to supply a reverse current, which simulates a generator output so low that it is draining the battery instead of charging it, which will then open cut out contact and thus disconnect gen from battery. Next you move on to verifying that the field control voltage specs are correct for opening and closing of field contacts. Some VRs have current control to prevent over current of generator and this requires a supply up to and above the generator maximum output current in order to verify. Obviously much simpler to connect to known good generator and look at ammeter and voltmeter as run over speed range and call it good or not. Finally, is it keeping battery charged over all day run time?

 

[Dean]

It can be done but it's more trouble than it's worth for an owner/operator.

As other posters have said, if your VR fails repetitively, you have other problems.

Hint: Thoroughly inspect wiring between VR and generator for evidence of intermittent grounding to chassis. Do not fail to inspect generator field terminal for grounding to generator mounting strap (late model 8N only).

More information regarding symptoms MAY be helpful.

Dean

 

[Randy K. Crump]

Dean: I will check out your suggestions. The regulator comes with instructions on how to determine if the regulator is bad while it is on the tractor. I ran test #5 and the amp meter showed charge, so according to the instructions the regulator is bad. I have filed the points and lubricated the VR. It is very sporatic. Often times it will not charge at all and other times it might charge for 10 or 15 minutes then stops charging. Tap on the VR and it wakes up and charges, but not for very long. Reason for the initial question: I have another VR and wanted to test it off the tractor because they are not easy to install, especially with a front loader installed on the tractor.

 

[R Geiger]

(quoted from post at 13:55:45 12/27/18) Dean: I will check out your suggestions. The regulator comes with instructions on how to determine if the regulator is bad while it is on the tractor. I ran test #5 and the amp meter showed charge, so according to the instructions the regulator is bad. I have filed the points and lubricated the VR. It is very sporatic. Often times it will not charge at all and other times it might charge for 10 or 15 minutes then stops charging. Tap on the VR and it wakes up and charges, but not for very long. Reason for the initial question: I have another VR and wanted to test it off the tractor because they are not easy to install, especially with a front loader installed on the tractor.

What you are getting was the last straw for me. No more charging problems with 12 volt alternator.

 

[kylemorley]

One of the best reasons for converting to an alternator is, to my mind, to get rid of the voltage regulator. No one seems to be making reliable mechanical VRs any more ,and if they are, TSC sure doesn't know about them. Alternators don't have this problem, because their VRs are solid state, and very simple.

 

[W_B]

(quoted from post at 19:14:32 12/28/18) One of the best reasons for converting to an alternator is, to my mind, to get rid of the voltage regulator. No one seems to be making reliable mechanical VRs any more ,and if they are, TSC sure doesn't know about them. Alternators don't have this problem, because their VRs are solid state, and very simple.

Agree, completed the conversion and all new wiring recently on an 8N. My generator wasn't working right and battery was essentially dead. I doubt the VR was working either. In addition to instant starts I have nice bright lights!