Generator

[DanR]

The original generator on the SA has finally died. Took it to the shop and it will be $80-$120 to rebuild. So, a 12v one wire alternator is $60 plus the lights, new battery, etc. Has anyone put an alternator on a SA? What problems am I likely to encounter? 6v original has always been my favorite on early Farmall tractors but now, maybe it's time for a change. All comments welcome.

[markwayne]

The price sounds ridiculous. See what an exchange is on line. Check Ebay. There are 6v alternators too so you don't have to change everything. But I would resist the alternator route. Generators are not magic I have fixed several. often all they need is new brushes and a cleaning of the commutator if the bushings are still good.

[SONNY]

Thats what Dr. Bill charges for re-build here in town.---pretty much standard price now days. thanks; sonny

[markwayne]

Compared to fixing it with this kit it is. Armatures can fail but seldom. If the commutator needs more than a cleaning up with a strip of sand paper on a flat stick (file) see if someone with a lathe can clean it up. My friend told me his dad used to turn them between centers on a wood lathe, didnt get any details.
guessing he used a piece of hose to drive it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 602_263622

[DanR]

I had a good talk with the generator guy this morning. BTW he does a lot of tractor work. The Delco alternator is $60 complete. The Hitachi or Honda is $80. We talked about dropping resisters and 6v alternators. He said 6v alternators do strange things to a tractor and does not recommend this. Does the tractor turn fast enough to start? If so put a dropping resister at the 12v alternator and leave everything alone. Do you have starting problems especially in winter? Do you have 6v battery problems? Do you have 6v grounding problems? If so go 12v all the way and be trouble free. One other option is to put a dropping resister at the coil to keep it 6v and if you don't want to change light bulbs wire the light switch from the coil resister. So, I have a good 12v battery and a 12v coil somewhere. Three light bulbs about $3. I can't see any other expense except material to build a new mounting bracket if I don't already have it. Now if I can remember to switch the battery cables and reverse the ammeter.

[Song]

The 12V alternator on my SA makes it very very hard to close the hood on that front side. It is right in the way of the pull latch.

[DanR]

Thanks for the warning. I'll try to make more room when I make the mounting bracket . Thanks, Dan

[Song]

Thanks for the warning. I'll try to make more room when I make the mounting bracket . Thanks, Dan

I will be doing something to mine to be able to close that hood all the way. Mainly for the reason there is no top adjustment on it to keep it tight. I might go with a 12V generator so I can have the closer to the original size of it.

[Don McCombs]

Here's the alternator location on mine.

[SONNY]

Looks great Don!---Show tractor?---really shines! thanks; sonny

[Don McCombs]

Not a show tractor. Just a fresh paint job.

[Bigdog]

One problem with wiring the lights from the dropping resistor for the coil. The amount of voltage dropped by the resistor is dependent on the current flow through it. With lights in the circuit the voltage drop across the resistor is going to change significantly. Additionally a 10 or 12 watt resistor that would function well for the coil circuit will not handle the load requirements for a lighting circuit.

[SONNY]

Dan! if you feel comfortable at taking it apart, do so and clean everything up good ,might just be dirty armature and or brushes.---you could get lucky an only need new brushes and clean the armature with a long strip of emery cloth, (sandpaper will work, BUT not recommended ).
First check for output, you might even have to file the regulator points.---thats where I have the most trouble with the 6-v systems, they get dirty and points /armature get black(glazed over/corroded).
You can always go a different route if you cant get this one to work! thanks; sonny