generator light always on

[MillWeld]

On my Ford 461 tractor (1958 model, 6 VDC starter) the red gen light is on bright when idling and rather dim when at operating rpm. How do I determine if it is the generator or voltage regulator?

 

[Argosy]

Check the voltage out of the generator and out of the voltage regulator.

 

[MillWeld]

probably a dumb question but ... what voltages should i expect to isolate the source of the problem?

 

[Soundguy]

On my Ford 461 tractor (1958 model, 6 VDC starter) the red gen light is on bright when idling and rather dim when at operating rpm. How do I determine if it is the generator or voltage regulator?

assume you mean a 641.

full field the unit and then check. IE.. jump bat to field. if lamp goes out at anything over idle, then you could replace the reg. if lamp don't go out, then slip belt off the gen and try a motor test. jump bat to arm and field. should spin real good like a motor.. if it is slow or stalls.. probably time for brushes.. etc.

can always check bat voltage at batter before start, at idle, then mid throttle, then high throttle.

6.2 - 6.3 is a well charged static 6v battery.

7.2 - 7.3 is good charge voltage. 6.3-6.6 should be a very low charge

not.. analog meters are good to use to check this as cheap consumer grade and auto rangers don't like brush noise due to timing windows / sampling rates..

soundguy

 

[MillWeld]

oops, yeah, it is a 641.

I took a short circuit to a repair. I figured the generator brushes probably wouldn't fail so quickly so I replaced the regulator with a used one known to be good and the problem was solved. :thumbsup: Thanks for the detailed analysis, Soundguy, I'll hold on to that one.

 

[Soundguy]

hope it helped some.

soundguy