Alternator is Fried on the 1850

[AltavistaLawn]

I need a fully equiped shop with many tools for this piece of junk.

By by passing the generator, its running fine. We've probably run it around 5 or 6 hours.

 

[J_J]

Is this an alternator, or a generator that we are talking about? If it is an alternator, give me the number off the alternator, and I will do some research.

 

[AltavistaLawn]

JJ, Its called a generator by their book..but its integrated into the cooling fan on the Deutz, so it doesn't look like anything I've ever seen before, it has a small square piece which is removable, this is the regulator and brushes assmbly. All the other electronic components aren't replaceable. It looks like a big fan with wires and electronics integrated into it.

When running, it pull all the dirt and moister thru all these electronics. If the regulator kit doesn't fix it, I think we can hook up a chev. alternator to it where the idler pully is for the belt.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

AVLawn: Although the book says generator, I suspect it's an AC generator, and probably the removable pack has the rectifier diodes on it. I haven't had a problem with mine, so don't know for sure. Fried diodes are a fairly common failure.
I know you've probably checked, but if not, one area I've had some problems with is the wiring, particularly in the main junction box and behind the dash panel. Short wires have caused tension on the 1/4" spade connectors. A bad connection can masquerade as a lot of things. A number of us, for instance, have had balky starters due to high resistance at the spade connectors in the circuit, causing them to lose clamping force and intermittently open up. I have a new one to chase, which shows a good circuit with a digital meter, because of low amps, but intermittently opens with more load.
Some new ends in the alternator circuit (at starter switch and in box?) and even a short extension where a wire is tight may be good diagnostic steps.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you find.

 

[Gravy]

AVLawn,

Since you've got a pulley to work with, the Delco alternator idea sounds like a great solution. Once you get it adapted, you should be set. Even if you have to replace it once a year, so what? They are really cheap and you can just about buy them at convenience stores.

I'm really hoping that you can get these problems worked out. I'm aware of the limitations and deficiencies of my 425, but as far as I can tell, there is literally nothing else on the market that could replace it for a price I can afford. I've learned not to compare it to the generic machines produced by the big names. It's more like a product from the garage of a somewhat eccentric genius fabricator. It's got quirks and issues, but nothing else on the market can touch it for the price.

I'll be busy with a project in the DC area for the next few weeks, but sometime after that I will probably be getting into the AV area every now and then. If we can match up schedules, I'd be glad to take a look and try to come up with some solutions.

Gravy

 

[AltavistaLawn]

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the help. The new regulator hasn't came yet, we're cycling a deep cycle batt (I stole from my skid sprayer) for now.

 

[J_J]

That generator term may be a play on words. If that mechanical device develops alternating current, it is an alternator. The voltage from an alternator is AC, and must be rectified to produce DC current to charge the battery. There should be three wires coming into the rectifier, which has four diodes set up as a full wave bridge rectifier. Two of the wires should be AC, and one ground. There is also some kind of regulating circuit in the rectifier/regulator to prevent over charging. As I said before, some alternator have a built in regulator/rectifier, and is simply called a one wire alternator. If this helps, great. If it doesn't, just ignore it. It maybe more than anyone wants to know.