Voltage Regulator

[Mike CA]

I think I ought to replace my VR. I have no idea if the aftermarket one I have works or not. I have to rewire the tractor to take the added solenoid out when I replace the aftermarket buttons and switches with original types.
Eventually I'm going 12v, but first I just want to get it running. Do auto part stores sell cheap VR's? Cheap = $10. New correct ones are around $50 I think.
Could I get a 12v for a 6v system to hold till I replace it all?

 

[Anonymous-0]

why dont you try the one you have no use spending money if you are going to 12v. 6V will start that tractor where you live. Just how did we farm with them before 12v came along. I would get the motor running as you can always charge a batt to start with the mag you dont need any batt.

 

[James Williams]

The last time they made a 10.00 regulator was in 1930

jimmy

 

[Janicholson]

I agree with Gene, I distinctly remember the regulator on yours, and I think it would be money down the rat hole. The wiring can be traced easily with a ohm meter, to assure it is correct. The person who wired it was careful to make "nice" even if nonstock in configuration, and color. With Bob M's diagrams, it is the ticket. If you are worried about a smoke release, have it tested. Good Luck, Jim

 

[John T]

Mike, Theres NO cheap VR's Im aware of. Might get a decent price at a Tractor show with lots of parts vendors. I woudnt buy one until you decide what voltage n system you end up with and unless its a bigger tractor like an M etc Id stay at the original 6 volts n use a big heavy battery n 00 GAUGE cables. NO a 6 wont work at 12 or a 12 at 6. If you wanna get by in the short term without a VR (provided either a cutout relay still works or the cutout relay portion inside a VR still works) if the gennys Field post is temporarily dead grounded she will charge at the max rate provided the genny n all else is okay.

Bob M has a troubleshooting procedure diagram and I have a troublesooting procedure if you need it.

John T

 

[Red Mist]

Jimmy: Ain't that the truth! Last 6V one I bought, I got about a $65 "hair-cut".
mike

 

[sgt bull]

Mike, I'd recommend you pull the genny and the regulator off, take them BOTH to a reputable generator rebuild shop, and have both tested. Quality regulators can often be "tweaked" a bit by cleaing and adjusting the points to restore performance. Many new regulators are made in india or pakistan or someplace and are really junk. you get what you pay for.

 

[sgt bull]

Mike, I'd recommend you pull the genny and the regulator off, take them BOTH to a reputable generator rebuild shop, and have both tested. Quality regulators can often be "tweaked" a bit by cleaing and adjusting the points to restore performance. Many new regulators are made in india or pakistan or someplace and are really junk. you get what you pay for.

 

[Andy Motteberg]

Mike, Voltage regulators are not always cheap, if you are thinking of using 12 volts, why not do 12 volts now? If you do 6 and change later, you will need to buy a different Regulator, generator and the light bulbs will need to be 12V. I'd just put it on 12 volts now and not have to worry about changing it later, it is not that much work to do, but if you do it twice, it is quite a bit of work. Check a parts store for a VR, i've heard on this site that they are very expensive sometimes, I bought my 12 volt VR from OEM for $42.50. The only VR you can probably get for $10 is a used one.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I'm disgusted with mine. I bought a new battery and voltage regulator just to get it running. Once I got it running it barely cranks over on the 6 volts. Maybe I need new cables. (Figure a Hundred for them.) It charged for about 4 days then quit. I figured it was the generator so I left it go all summer. In Nov. I did the test procedure. It charges if I ground the field terminal. Sounds like the new regulator was good for only a few days. Now what?? Another new regulator? New cables? The 6 volt will barely crank it even when fully charged. I'm wishing I would have converted it to 12 volts.

 

[Mike CA]

I'm working on a seriousl shoe string budget to get this puppy running. I found a VR at the salvage yard that goes on top of the genny. I brought it home and found out I don't have the right holes on my genny to install it. So, I guess that's out.

I guess I'll take them in for a test. I was trying to avoid costs like that, but it sounds like the smartest plan in the long run.