M60 Tank Can't Keep Battery Charged

[4tillingdirt]

I have an M60 Tank with the 23 HP Kawasaki engine. It has a little over 500 hrs and the clutch started not wanting to engage so I adjusted the 3 screws on the clutch so it engages most of the time - sometimes have to rev engine. Problem is I just put a new battery in and either the clutch is draining the battery or it isn't charging properly. I have a multi-meter so I guess I need to start checking and see how much voltage it is putting out when running?

 

[rdinatal]

Serious, you have one of these?!?

 

[bcp]

One of those, with 23hp, would be overworked a bit on the hills.



Bruce

 

[PJSprog]

An M60 ... how cool is that?!?!?!

 

[bcp]

Lets not scare him away while we are having fun.

Probably one of these.

TractorData.com Cub Cadet Tank M60

Cub Cadet Tank Zero Turn Parts

If you haven't already, clean both ends of all battery and starter cables.

Bruce

 

[Garandman]

Serious, you have one of these?!?

View attachment 509115

No, silly goose!

That picture is an M60A1! :laughing: (I believe the original M60 had a rounded turret like the M48, while the M60A1, 2, and 3 had the "needle nose."

 

[rdinatal]

Lets not scare him away while we are having fun.

Probably one of these.
View attachment 509120

Bruce

Bummer, but that still looks cool.

OP: Check the voltage at the battery when the engine is running. It should be about 14vdc. If not then check back up the charging circuit.

-R

 

[4tillingdirt]

Yep reading 14.3 volts. I am going to adjust on the clutch. I think the gap is too large because when I mowed the other day it would crank but I could tell the battery was weak. After I finished mowing it wouldn't start.

 

[4tillingdirt]

do you measure in the slots that are directly above the bolts - .015?

 

[Richard001]

Yep reading 14.3 volts. I am going to adjust on the clutch. I think the gap is too large because when I mowed the other day it would crank but I could tell the battery was weak. After I finished mowing it wouldn't start.

What is the battery voltage with the PTO engaged?

Sounds like you might have some shorted turns in the clutch causing high current usage.

Richard