Eureka Moment? - Update

[ricky racer]

You are aware of my woes trying to get my '57 charge. I worked through the trouble shooting flow chart and according to it, my generator was bad. I had another generator on the shelf so I pulled it down and installed it. Same results. I pulled the better generator apart inspected cleaned the commutator, bushes etc. and reassembled. Gauge still showing discharge. I checked the output of the generator at the "Gen" post with an analog volt meter (my digital VOM danced around to much). Output was just shy of 2 volts.

I took the off the shelf generator apart and did all the checks, cleaned the commutator, bushes etc. just like I did the other one. I installed it in place of the original and gave it another shot. Started the Cub and the gauge again showed discharge. Bummer. I checked the output again at the "Gen" post grounding other lead to the radiator. It showed again..... slightly less than 2 volts. Hmmmm..... what a coincidence. The reading was exactly the same. Now I'm thinking voltage regulator. What do you think??

According to the flow chart, the problem was the generator and the voltage regulator checked out ok. What if the regulator is only partially working?? Could that be?? Anyway, anyone have experience with TSC voltage regulators? I could pick one up tomorrow and maybe get this thing done.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Ground the F lead, if the voltage at the generator lead goes higher, you either have a bad regulator or a bad ground at the regulator.

[Boss Hog]

Ground the field terminal of the gen, it should go to full charge. If not you have a bad gen.

[Boss Hog]

also make sure the fan belt is tight[ belt from the fan to the crank pulley] this could be the problem since they both did the same thing

[TJG]

I have a question. It is stated that if the F terminal is grounded that there should be a full charge. Is the full charge noted on the tractor ammeter, or on a volt-ohm meter reading?

Thanks,

Todd

[Wakulla Bill]

I use a volt/ohm meter to check voltage during this test.

[ricky racer]

Ground the F lead, if the voltage at the generator lead goes higher, you either have a bad regulator or a bad ground at the regulator.

Bingo!!! We have a winner!!!! I hope to get her fixed today. Thanks for the help guys.

[ricky racer]

I went to town and picked up a "made in China" regulator at TSC and installed (between graduation parties) it on my '57 Lo-Boy. As soon at I started it up, lo and behold...it's charging like it should. Finally. I figured it had to be the regulator when I checked the output of the 2 generators and found they both put out exactly the same incorrect voltage.

Thanks guys for all the help.

[TJG]

Ricky, if you have a SKU or other parts number off of the box please post it. It will save me some time.

Thanks,

Todd

[ricky racer]

Ricky, if you have a SKU or other parts number off of the box please post it. It will save me some time.

Thanks,

Todd

Pictures of the package.

[bythepond88]

Don't throw the old regulator out. Pull the cover and check the air gaps. I have resurrected two VRs by adjusting the air gaps. The specs are given in the shop manual.