Mowing MF35 alternator vs generator

[jacksonite]

I have a MF35 with a bad generator. Any thoughts on rebuilding the generator vs buying an alternator. If I go to the alternator I will need a kit to line the pulley up. Currently none of the gauges work or the tach, but would like to fix these. I am new to the tractor experience. All ideas would be appreciated.

 

[TjkMF88]

Personally the first thing I would do is take the generator to your local starter repair shop and have him take a look at it, If all it needs is a good cleaning or some new brushes or contacts and the repairs would be under $100 bucks, I would reinstall the generator. Make sure your generator is your problem and not the external voltage regulator, or even faulty wiring -(as your gauages do not function properly). If the repair man tells you your generator is completly shot, you have no choice but to install a alternator kit, or try your luck at finding another generator from salvage etc.. That tractor might still have a 6 volt system as well.. If you want to upgrade to 12v you will be money ahead going to an alternator charging system.

 

[flusher]

I have a MF35 with a bad generator. Any thoughts on rebuilding the generator vs buying an alternator. If I go to the alternator I will need a kit to line the pulley up. Currently none of the gauges work or the tach, but would like to fix these. I am new to the tractor experience. All ideas would be appreciated.

You can get a 12V Delco 10SI alternator at NAPA for $55. Here's one on my 1964 MF135 diesel deluxe with multipower.



Mine is a single-wire alternator. I use a small diameter pulley on the alternator to spin it fast enough to get it to excite at about 1800 rpm. Once the alternator starts charging, it will charge down to about 500 rpm. Some folks prefer a 3-wire alternator--a little more installation labor, but one of these has an exciter wire to get the alternator charging without the need to gun the engine momentarily to high revs like you need for the single wire version.