generator

[Joey]

I think the 6 volt generator on my cub is not charging the battery. A new battery lasts a few months with the cub being used only 4-5 times in that period, and the battery loses its charge. When put on the charger, the indicator tells me to check the battery. How can I check the generator to tell if it's working and if needed, how easy/hard is it to rebuild the generator? I'm tempted to go the 12v conversion route, but would like to keep it original. It's a work tractor, though, and the more time I lose......

[Rudi]

Joey:

As you know, I am no expert.. but there are some real good words of wisdom in the link contained in the Welcome Wagon, so I will attach it again.

A new battery lasts a few months with the cub being used only 4-5 times in that period, and the battery loses its charge.

You probably have a dud battery. It does happen and sometimes more than once. If the cells are defective, then it would not matter what you did, it would not hold a charge.. Cheap batteries are prone to this. A good Group 1 6V Battery should work well.

Now, after saying this.. I have had no problems with Ellie's Group 1..... up until about a week ago or so. I noticed that she lost her charge. It has reoccured a few times since.

So.. I think it is time to do a little check up on the genny.

1. Check the Brushes. Make sure they are clean and not too worn. If they are 60%or more used.. they are pretty much done.. and you will need new ones. Any good AC Delco Dealer should have them IN STOCK... my dealer does. They are not that expensive.

2. If the brushes look good, it may be time to check the other parts fo the genny. This is where it gets beyond me, and seeing as I am going to have to do it myself.. I am awaiting input.

3. But, in the meantime, I intend to read through my GSS 1411 and the other stuff that is available on the server including H.L. Chauvin's words of wisdom...

So I would start there. If you are unsure.. take the generator to a GOOD QUALIFIED Starter, Alternator shop. If they are good, they should be able to handle checking out your generator. AND it should not cost moe than say $40.00 or $50.00 to have it rebuilt. Just make sure they know what they are doing.. and a Certified AC Delco shop should be able to handle it.

Here is the Welcome Wagon again.. hope it is of some use..

First, to the greatest forum on the internet, and to the Cub Family. You will find that all the folks on this forum are kind, helpful and just full of Cub info and knowledge. They also happen to be the finest folks I have ever met

Ok, so here is the spiel :

I would suggest that you read this thread: New Members and Visitors, Please READ Prior to Posting. There are many great links to informative pages such as the ATIS FAQ's 1 and ATIS FAQ's 2, The Best of H.L. Chauvin who has written very interesting articles on troubleshooting common problems with your Cub.


Also, you might want to visit the Cub Manual Server as there is tons of info on servicing, maintaining and re-building your Cub. In addition to this basic information, there are also a number of other useful tools available on the server. There is the Specialty Services page which has contact info for neat stuff like getting your seats recovered, buying quality Decals, Serial Number tags and a host of other neat items. Also there are the Parts Pages - both Used Parts Suppliers and New Parts Suppliers pages with links to quality dealers. I am always looking for YOUR favourite dealers for New and Used Parts to include here. These are intended to complement the businesses who support the FarmallCub.com Website.

I would also recommend that you visit Binder Books and purchase the three most important manuals you can own for Maintenance, Repair and Rebuilding your Cub. These are the Owner's Manual, the GSS-1411 Service Manual and the TC-37F Parts Manual. Although they are available on the Cub Manual Server, it is better is you also have your own paper copy. Binder Books is the only Authorized IH Publication Reprint House and they have the best quality manuals available. Most other's are not of the same quality. Just a personal thought here, the I&T Shop Manuals, although helpful in some areas, really are not sufficient for the job. If you wish though, they are good additional reference works.

IF you really want to get the skinny on all things Cub, might I suggest you get a copy of Ken Updike's Farmall Cub and Cub Cadet's . While you are at it Original Farmall Cub and Cub Cadet is Ken's latest addition to the series. Along with Guy Fay's Letter Series Originality Guide, these are three must have's in anyone's collection.

In addition to the above information, don't forget to check out the various articles that are available to help with your Repair, Restore, Rebuild or just your Maintenance Projects. There are a number of sub pages such as Electrolysis or Rust Zapper's, Maintenance Tips, Jigs and Techniques, Implement and Part Sketches and of course the Paint, Decals & Other Finish Questions which has the Paint Chart and the Paint Committee Decisions links.

I truly hope that you enjoy your Cub and that you will be a frequent contributor to the forum. Again, to the Cub Family

[Joey]

Rudi:

Thanks for the info. The generator is one area where I'm reluctant to delve into, wishing I had someone there with me to look over my shoulder. I don't mind digging, just need a good source to reference so I'll know what the heck I'm looking at. I guess I could use the digital camera and post pics to the site, may be just as good as someone looking over my shoulder, but a little slower.

The battery is the 3rd or 4th one from Advance Auto, brought back on the warranty. You think that many of them could be duds? I don't know, I'm just wondering if they're not being charged.

[Rudi]

Joey:

They very well could be. If they are all from the same batch number it is quite possible. I know, it sounds weird.. but stranger things have been known to happen.

The GSS-1012 Electrical Equipment in the Blue Ribbon Service Manuals on the Server, has a pretty easy section on the Generator. It has some pretty simple steps on servicing the Generator in-situ. If you already have the Generator on the bench, then you can go farther.

Unfortunately, I have not found the GSS-1411 to be of a lot of help with the Generator, but if you do a search on Generator you should come up with a few useful threads. I wish I had a better manual or tutorial on Generators and Starters etc... that really would be useful.

Also, BD and all will be available to help once you have a few pics if needed....

[Lurker Carl]

I went thru six Sears Diehard 6 volt group 1 batteries quickly, about 1 per week. That's as fast as Sears could get one delivered to the local store after I found them to be defective. They either wouldn't charge or couldn't hold a charge. I thought they might be giving me back the same battery so I scribbled on the bottom side of the cases with a lumber marker. I finally got a good one but it only lasted 3 years.

I bought the next one from TSC and it's been OK, I think TSC has fresher stock.

[John(videodoc)]

As rudi, stated, it cost about $40 for a gen rebuild. Well worth, not having to worry about the tractor not starting. And they will test voltage reg if left attached. SO you will know if what you gots to start with is good. Ive taken all 4 of mine in for rebuild, just to take in, when i purchased my tractors. They were starting fine, just wanted to know where i stood.

To bad you missed out on Cubfest this year, Cecil did an excellent demonstration on how to clean up a generator. and make sure things looked good. Guessing i shouldda took notes.

As to getting a bad battery yep. I got a bad autozone 6 volt battery, got money back, and went elsewhere even saved money in so doing. That was a pain to figure it was the battery and not me going crazy.

[Buzzard Wing]

I had the 12v generator and regulator cleaned up and rebuilt (including the two wires) by Providence Auto Ignition (now in Cranston RI) I was a bit leery of cleaning it up myself because the 12v one is open in the back (really very dirty/dusty). It was arcing and sparking across the commutator. It was about $80 with new fan/pulley, bearing, bushing and brushes.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/Bu ... 5d6421.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/Bu ... dd879c.jpg

He tested the 6v one and it looks like it had recently been rebuilt, so he gave it a clean bill of health!

Great guy to deal with, should be able to turn it around quickly for ya.

Lar

[Don McCombs]

Larry,

Is that a new VR on Rufus, or the old one, cleaned up?

[Cecil]

Maybe I'll produce a home video on generator cleaning. It's not hard. Do you thing we need to do it again in October?