polarizing generator question

[John Niekamp]

I need some help on polarizing my generator. I thought that I was suppose to take a wire from the post on the generator to the battery terminal on the voltage regulator. Does it matter on which terminal I jump on the generator?

It will not charge and the generator appears to be working and the regulator looks like it't not very old either.

The amperage gauge does not work at all. (have new on on order) is there any other way to tell if the generator is putting voltage to the battery? The points on the regulator appear to be okay and not burnt.

Where and what voltages should be at any givin point? Voltage regulator, generator terminals etc.

I thought that if the generator was putting out voltage you should be able to unhook one of the battery cables and the generator would keep the engine running. YES, I have a distribuitor, not a magneto.

John N.

[Bigdog]

John, the jumper goes from the batt. terminal to the gen. terminal on the regulator. The gen terminal on the regulator is connected to the generator armature terminal.
The best way to see if the generator is charging is to measure the voltage across the battery terminals with the tractor off, then start the engine and measure the battery voltage with the engine running about half throttle. The voltage should be around 7.4 volts with the engine running if the generator is charging. Any reading higher than normal battery voltage would indicate some charging.

[robstagis]

I'm not familiar, but if the ammeter ain't working, could that be the issue? I know it used to be, occasionally.

[artc]

if you receive Red Power magazine, there is a terrific article by Jim Becker in the Dec (i think) issue last year. all the troubleshooting and repair info needed is in there. if you don't get Red Power, they will send you a back copy when you call for a subscription.

Red Power Magazine http://redpowermagazine.com/cgi/yabb/YaBB.cgi