HELP troubleshooting Hinomoto C174 alternator/generator

[westsail434]

Old newbie needs your expertise. My Hinomoto C174 alternator light has been running dim for several years but now it just got brighter. I only have 12.34 volts at the battery when running at 1500 rpm. The tiny generator, I would presume, has two black then a connector changes them to blue wires and they go under the dash. Can I disconnect the quick connect and check for voltage there and what should I get? This is the easiest thing to do, short of just forgetting the charging circuit altogether. Is there a way to check if it is the voltage regulator, buried under the dash, if I do decide to tear the dash apart? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mitch becton]

west can you supply the alternator number it will help us get you going in the right direction

 

[crazyal]

Chances are your alternator is going bad. The light is a warning to tell you that the alternator voltage and the battery voltage are not the same. A simple test would be to check the light with the engine idling and then rev'd up. If the light dims as you rev the motor then it's most likely your alternator is getting weak. Try disconnecting the battery terminals and putting a charger on the battery overnight. Once fully charged measure the battery voltage. You should be about 12.6 volts. If lower then your battery may to be replaced. If it's good then clean the battery terminals and start the tractor. With it running at about 1500 rpms you should measure 13.5 volts.

 

[westsail434]

Thanks for the information. The problem was in loose and corroded connections and at the present time the alternator and regulator are performing flawlessly. It's always the out of sight out of mind things that get you. Tearing apart a dash, removing the steering wheel, labeling, cleaning and reinstalling stuff you never knew existed. Just goes to show, it's not always the expensive parts that make the fix. Thanks again guys and I do have all the numbers off the regulator and alternator should this post prove me wrong. Cross your fingers.