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Roshton · Dec 29, 2017

I have purchased a 1987 Yanmar YM 276D with ONLY 214 hours is like showroom condition . The story goes that the guy I bought the tractor from his dad purchased the Yanmar new and passed away shortly after , I was questioning this as the paint and unit were in such remarkable condition and after reading the forums here about all the tractors shipped that have been rebuilt with parts from more than one donor and repaint . This model from what I see was sold in states and Canada at one time and this tractor also came with all manuals service , loader and shop . The only Asian print on the tractor that I have come across is inside the fuse box as all other decals are in English from what I have seen so far but I just got tractor home and been so cold have not had a lot of time to investigate even though it is inside my shed still like being in a salmon can in a snow bank as no heat in building .

I'm not getting a charge from alternator and no do not know how to use the proper equipment to check alternator . I did notice my light on dash is not functioning , Charge Indicator light and if I recall this is what energizes the alternator . I tested with my test light the fuses all ok and other 2 lights coolant and oil functioning .

I can start the tractor seems to run fine even in these frigid temps outside . My question is how on earth do you change the bulb for charge indicator without taking off steering wheel , standing on your head to get at the securing nuts or bolts on underside of dash to change this light bulb . I can't believe the manufacturer making this so difficult if I'm right in this energizing the alternator cause bulbs do burn out on occation .

I enjoy the forums and do hope someone can shine some light on this issue as I have had 2 mechanics out to my shed which is like pulling teeth even in summer as you know they do not like leaving shop and I can't blame them as they are without tools not to mention heat nor does my shed have hydro . Regards Doug

TBN Support · Dec 29, 2017

Hi Doug. Welcome to the forum!

:welcome:

I'm going to move your thread over to our Yanmar section to see if we can find you an answer.

kenmac · Dec 29, 2017

You should be able to check the alternator with a volt meter while the engine is running and see what the voltage output is at the battery.

If you don't have the tools to perform this, you can take the alternator off and take it to an alternator shop. they should be able to check it for you.

As far as changing your lights, someone with your model will come along with that info.

Roshton · Dec 29, 2017

Thanks for reply I do not know how to read a volt meter but going to learn wish I had of many years ago would be handy . I will take the alternator off after I change bulb if that does not correct my problem of no charge . I did read this bulb on charge light activates the alternator but so far no one has confirmed this with me . I know now how to get at the bulb and can't believe that Yanmar being so far ahead of their times with drive train , brakes and other technology requires a puller to remove steering wheel to remove dash ( console to change a light bulb ) which serves 2 purposes one being very important not being able to charge your battery is bulb is burnt out which does take place from time to time . So now with snow up to my knees I have to pull a steering wheel to get this tractor moving snow and wouldn't be so bad if I was in a heated shop with hydro . Why not have it that bulb could be replaced from top of dach by popping off a plastic cover over the light . Frustrated

Thomas · Dec 29, 2017

:welcome: to TBN Doug...enjoy.

Roshton · Dec 29, 2017

Not Negative just stating my feelings as I have worked along side engineers and some can't see the nose on their face . I did say some as there was very intelligent engineers that was very interesting and impressive . Like I said remove a piece of small plastic or pull a steering wheel to change a bulb , which would you prefer ?

California · Dec 29, 2017

Are you sure you can't get your hand behind that bulb and remove the bulb-holder from the back side? Sometimes it takes a quarter turn. If your instrument panel is like my YM186D, there is a flat panel by your knees to remove, then you can get your hand behind everything. But you might need to enlist the neighborhood 9 year old to have hands small enough for that. Study your Operation and Service manuals to learn how to change bulbs.

Pulling the steering wheel doesn't sound right.

If the tractor really has that few hours, I expect the charging system is fine and the problem is just a disconnected wire somewhere. Get a simple multimeter with continuity-test buzzer function and trace everything related to the charging system. Study your service manual to see the routing and the color codes for the various wires. I suspect you will discover something simple, not anything worn out. Maybe a loose ground connection. That is often the cause of mysterious failures and is simple to remedy.

If the dash light was designed to be the triggering mechanism for the alternator then you might use a different bulb and wire to make an alternate path to ground.

For equipment with that few hours, it should be a last resort to take the alternator in to an electrical shop. If you do, take its regulator too since that is more likely than the alternator to fail.

Roshton · Dec 29, 2017

I need a chipmunk to assist me LOL as no way my mits will fit in there and yes cover is off , tried tracing color coded wires fro light down to fuses and on guess what they were so kind to change colors and not follow through . For removing the steering wheel another member actually was so kind to send me a YouTube video on this , sorry can't locate it right now or I would send to u and it shows pulling the steering wheel and cover comes off easy to access all , crazy I feel to change a bulb but for real . For the service manual I have read from back to front and F to B several times . I don't feel bad though as I have had to mechanics out and still no charge though you have to realize they are working in my shed no heat or hydro without their tools of trade , LIKE A SALMON CAN IN A SNOW BANK so I appreciated any help at the time . The tractor starts and runs fine even though frigid temps . All other lights on dash working . I agree it is a simple thing but simple doesn't cute it in frigid temps as your hands get you can't feel the tools for sting . I will figure it out cause I have a lot of snow to remove and more coming just wish it would rise some where around freezing LOL . Appreciate the feed back Cheers

4get gto · Dec 29, 2017

Honestly if your tractor starts and you keep a charge in the battery with a charger I wouldn't worry about the light till it was 80 degrees out. Won't hurt a thing. Especially if you want to use it.

Once started you don't even need the battery.

kenmac · Dec 29, 2017

All the alternator does is charging when battery gets low.Once cranked, the engine has no use for the battery

You can pick up a small inexpensive volt meter to read voltage.
Just turn the dial to DC. connect red to + side of battery and black to - side of battery. You should then be able to tell if the alt. is charging the battery.

I wouldn't think your alternator is bad, but I bought a new tuck once. Alternator went out and a freeze plug rusted out within the first yr !