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12 volt TO30 Question

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Phil (VA)

04-08-2002 10:37:49




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I have a neighbor who has a TO30 that seems to give him chronic starting problems. The tractor runs great when started, but he is having trouble telling me what the problem is and when I go to look at it the battery is always near dead. I charge the battery and it will start, but it seems to drag the battery down quickly. He is using a cheap battery, but it is pretty new and while I would have bought a better one, it seems be ok. It is a 12 volt battery, negative ground, and with 12 volt coil, but it has what appears to be stock TO30 generator on it. The battery voltage when running is around 14 volts, not horrible, so that's confusing me. The obvious issue is the generator, but this is an older guy with not much money and I'd like to help him out cheapest, quickest way. In other words I don't want to go buy an alternator for him if there are other suggestions worthwhile. He had the coil wire going thru a resistor, but he finally told me he replaced the old coil (now 12 v.) so I suspect the old coil was 6 v. I bypassed the resistor, figuring that wasn't needed with the 12 v coil, but I'm not convinced that is going to solve the problem. Lights are not hooked up anyway. Tractor ammeter is broken. I believe the battery was 12 v. when he got it, although he replaced the battery. Sorry for long post. Suggestions welcomed.

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Herb

04-11-2002 04:51:47




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 Re: 12 volt TO30 Question in reply to Phil (VA), 04-08-2002 10:37:49  
Sounds like he should use a battery disconnect when not in use. There may be some current draw when tractor is not running. Converted my 30 to 12v with a disconnect and have no problems.



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F. Light

04-08-2002 11:34:11




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 Re: 12 volt TO30 Question in reply to Phil (VA), 04-08-2002 10:37:49  
Check that your friend actually has a 6 volt generator (generators are longer than wide and are generally painted, alternators are bigger around than long and tend to be aluminum colored). If your friend has an original 6 volt generator on a 12 volt system then it is likely that the battery is discharging through the regulator and generator. Go to the article on "A Step-by-Step 12-Volt Conversion " under Research & Info on this site and compare the wiring diagrams carefully to actual conditions. Costwise, a rebuilt alternator is going to be about the same as a new battery and will provide better service in the long run. If you are both lucky, your friend may already have a suitable alternator with an internal regulator on a junked vehicle and the only problem will be to fabricate the brackets. Good luck! FL

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Jack M, UK

04-08-2002 14:02:15




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 Re: Re: 12 volt TO30 Question in reply to F. Light, 04-08-2002 11:34:11  
I have a TE-F20, and was wandering do these normally come with generators (I think, from what you said that it is), and would an 12V alternator charge better than a generator?
Thanks,
Jack M, UK



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F. Light

04-09-2002 07:39:37




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 Re: Re: Re: 12 volt TO30 Question in reply to Jack M, UK, 04-08-2002 14:02:15  
Your TE-20 originally came with a 6V, positive earth generator. Alternators don’t “charge” better, they are 12V. A well maintained 6V system will serve admirably in all conditions, but on older tractors with greater clearances and aging connections, 12V systems are easier to start, provide “hotter” spark at the plugs and do away with the external regulator, a notorious problem child (alternators use a solid state regulator). If you plan to restore, keep the generator. I would put an alternator on a working tractor. Check the articles on this site for more information.
FL

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Phil (VA)

04-08-2002 13:19:34




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 Re: Re: 12 volt TO30 Question in reply to F. Light, 04-08-2002 11:34:11  
Thanks. I printed off the article. I still don't understand why I'm getting decent voltage at the battery while it's running, but I'll investigate further.



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Capt

06-26-2006 11:02:24




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 Re: Re: Re: 12 volt TO30 Question in reply to Phil (VA), 04-08-2002 13:19:34  
I have a To 30 and it has a 12V Voltage Regulator, Coil, and a 12v Delco Generator, not alternator. It seems to charge just fine.



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