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Ammeter Readings TO-20

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Dave Schade

06-14-2004 06:39:33

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I have recently purchased a TO-20 (sn 6361), The gauges were just about shot. Ammeter and Oil pressure. Replaced both. Working ok (I guess) The tractor had a 12volt Positive ground battery in it and it was old. Replaced it also. When I start it up, I see about -20 amps on the ammmeter then it quickly jumps to about -1 amp (with the throttle about half-way open. (Oil pressure is about 25lbs.) If I turn on the lights, the ammeter jumps back to about -20 amps and stays there. Am I geting negative readings because it is a positive ground and the leads should be reversed? When I bought it about 6 weeks ago, it started fine for awhile then the battery would not hold a charge. Put it on a charger and it was taking full rate and not coming up to a charge. That is the reaon for replacing the battery. I am curious if there is some current leakage or the charging system is not working properly (negative readings)

Thanks in advance for any input.

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Ray,IN

06-14-2004 21:47:02

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Re: Ammeter Readings TO-20 in reply to Dave Schade, 06-14-2004 06:39:33

Dave, there should be a nameplate on the generator. Any reputable rebuild shop will tell you what the numbers mean. It can be a 12V generator that appears identical to a 6V except for the tach drive; the early MF135 tractors used one. Any farm store carries 6V batteries, and the expense of converting to 12V does not justify the switch. I've got to add this: A 6V system will perform just as well as a 12V system if properly maintained!

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gshadel

06-14-2004 07:01:36

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Re: Ammeter Readings TO-20 in reply to Dave Schade, 06-14-2004 06:39:33

first the easy part, your oil pressure looks great. I just rebuilt mine from the ground up and get ~27 psi.

I am not clear if your have an original 6 volt system that had a 12 volt battery on it, or if you have a 12 volt conversion on your tractor.

When I bought my tractor, I had similar readings, thought the generator or regulator was bad. Being new to "vintage" tractors, I had already pulled the generator and had it checked, and installed a new regulator before I got a manual and realized I had a 12 volt battery on a 6 volt tractor. Bought a 6 volt battery, polarized the generator like the manual said - fixed the problem.

Assuming you have a 6 volt tractor that had the wrong battery on it, and now you have a 6 volt pos. gound battery hook-up - try polarizing your generator. Don't recall the exact method off the top of my head, it is in the manual.

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Dave Schade

06-14-2004 08:19:25

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Re: Re: Ammeter Readings TO-20 in reply to gshadel, 06-14-2004 07:01:36

Thanks for the quick reply...I replaced it with a good 12V battery, not a 6V. The generator looks original (Delco Remy). I just got replacement manuals (the ferguson ones, not IT) and unfortunately, they assume it is still 6-volt so not sure what I should be looking for to know if it was "converted" to 12V....or somebody just bought a 12V battery and put it in a long time ago. I (probably wrongly) assumed that if there was a 12V battery in it.....it had been converted.

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gshadel

06-14-2004 09:45:02

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Re: Re: Re: Ammeter Readings TO-20 in reply to Dave Schade, 06-14-2004 08:19:25

I have a 6 volt tractor. I'm no expert on the 12V conversions, so I'm kind-of guessing here. Maybe some of the other experts out there will chime-in.

I think the generator is the most noticable difference between 6V and 12V. The original Delco-Remy 6 volt generator is kind-of long & skinny with probably 2 leads on top. The 12 volt conversions I have seen use the short, fat automotive Delco alternators like you would see in an old Chevy.
Sounds like you have a 6 volt generator. Might be worth while to pull the generator and have it tested. If it is good, a 6V battery is maybe $40-50. If the generator is bad also, you might be better off keeping your 12V battery and getting a 12V conversion kit.

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Dave Schade

06-14-2004 10:23:09

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Ammeter Readings TO-20 in reply to gshadel, 06-14-2004 09:45:02

It definately is NOT an automotive type "alternator". 2-leads, long and skinny it is.

Maybe I can get some more info at the "Fergy" get together in Wayne Ohio on july 4th weekend. I only live about 20 miles from there. I attend the antique engine meet every year and this year it includes FENA. I was already planning to attend. I would guess that if the stock generator and voltage regulator was designed to recharge a 6-volt battery, it might cause a 12 volt to go "dead" after some usage. It would probably require hooking up to an external 12v. charger to keep it up to speed. I'm wondering what long term use of a 12 volt battery in a system designed for 6-volt might do?? I would think that I would probably blow the lights also unless they had been updated to 12 volt. (although increasing the voltage decreases the current flow to get the same watts) They would burn brighter....maybe that's why I can light up the neighbors house in broad daylight! (just kidding..)

I really appreciate your ideas.

Thanks, Dave

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Jim W

06-14-2004 13:09:40

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Ammeter Readings TO-20 in reply to Dave Schade, 06-14-2004 10:23:09

Yes, if you have a 12 volt battery you will blow 6 volt lights.
Long term if you use a 12 volt battery in a 6 volt system your battery will also need to be replaced much sooner.
Jim

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