Alternator to battery?

TempletonJDguy · Apr 4, 2020

Hey guys I can t figure which wire I m supposed to hook up the hot lead from the battery to. Can I just run a wire from alternator to the positive on the battery to have it charge or will that damage alternator? Does it need to go through the ignition? Thanks B

Bob · Apr 4, 2020

You didn't give out many details, if you are working with anything larger than a small air-cooler engine with a 10 or 15 Amp alternator the alternator output FOR SURE won't go through the ignition switch. (It DOES on certain SMALL engines.)

If using a common Ammeter, alternator output will pass through the Ammeter, then to the battery, if no Ammeter, direct to the battery with 8, 10 or 12 gauge wire, depending upon the alternator's output rating. (Typically connected along with the (+) battery cable at the starter switch or solenoid.)

Typically, for a factory alternator setup there is a fusible link in the charging lead, sized large enough to never blow in normal operation (which could "kill" the alternator), but provide some protection should the alternator develop a dead short.

TempletonJDguy · Apr 4, 2020

Thank you Bob. It s a Case 530ck. It s been converted from gene to alt. The wiring is a disaster. I run it for about an hour then she dies and I need to charge the battery. I think the points might need more juice than electronic ignition. Unsure. I m hoping the alt will charge the battery and help the tractor run better. Unsure if it even works. Put a tester on the hot lead while running and nothing but the belt is loose, I need to fabricate a better bracket. If it s grounded and belt is tight my test light should light up right? If nothing I may need another alternator. It s a mess. Thanks

Bob · Apr 4, 2020

Do you know what make/model/type ofalternator you have?

Externally regulated?

Internally regulated?

Internally regulated "one-wire"?

TempletonJDguy · Apr 4, 2020

I have no idea. I can take a pic. All the markings are gone. Brb.

TempletonJDguy · Apr 4, 2020

Bob · Apr 4, 2020

Unless there's some connections I am not seeing in your photos, it appears to be a Delco-type "marine alternator", with an internal regulator and a "one-wire" type.

Connect large output stud to battery and it should charge.

TempletonJDguy · Apr 4, 2020

Thanks so much for your help! Will do, cheers B

Steve@Advance · Apr 4, 2020

The alternator is a standard Delco 10SI alternator with a "one wire" conversion.

They are readily available at this site, the auto supply, or online.

You could take it to the auto supply and have it tested first, it looks pretty rough...

The marine covers, the screen and the sheet metal, are not necessary on your tractor. Don't let them try to sell you a marine alternator, they are extremely expensive!

If you put it on, and it doesn't charge, try revving the engine to full governed speed momentarily. That type alternator needs a good fast spin to initiate the charge.

As for connecting it, it needs a 10 gauge wire from the stud on back of the alternator to the positive battery cable. I recommend connecting it to the starter solenoid end of the battery cable, away from the corrosive battery.

TempletonJDguy · Apr 5, 2020

(quoted from post at 00:08:15 04/05/20) The alternator is a standard Delco 10SI alternator with a "one wire" conversion.

They are readily available at this site, the auto supply, or online.

You could take it to the auto supply and have it tested first, it looks pretty rough...

The marine covers, the screen and the sheet metal, are not necessary on your tractor. Don't let them try to sell you a marine alternator, they are extremely expensive!

If you put it on, and it doesn't charge, try revving the engine to full governed speed momentarily. That type alternator needs a good fast spin to initiate the charge.

As for connecting it, it needs a 10 gauge wire from the stud on back of the alternator to the positive battery cable. I recommend connecting it to the starter solenoid end of the battery cable, away from the corrosive battery.

Ok Steve! Thank you for the information, I really appreciate it! I m going to fabricate better brackets today and will visit the auto store as well. Cheers, B

Paul Janke · Apr 5, 2020

The pulley on that alternator is big enough that it may be difficult to get it to start charging on a tractor. You may need to switch to a smaller diameter pulley.

TempletonJDguy · Apr 5, 2020

Bought the alternator today and installed. Made angle iron bracket and good leads. I feel it s in there good.

New problem, old problem. Every once in a while the starter would stick when it started. I replaced ignition and it seemed fine till about a week ago started doing it again. Now with key off I hook up battery and starter engages. With key on, tractor starts. With key off starter stays running but only half engaged. Not turning motor over but running. What s the course of action. Ignition, solenoid or starter?

Here s a pic of my instal, thanks! B

TempletonJDguy · Apr 6, 2020

Just a follow up!! I figured it out

When I hooked up my positive lead from alternator to solenoid I tightened everything up. I didn t realize the bracket on the other big post was not a bracket but a copper lead to the starter. I must have forced it to remained grounded out this starter running at all key positions. I shrink wrapped it, liquid electric tape and wrapped with tape and zip ties. All works great now. Thanks everyone for your help. Also when I bought the alternator he said "it has a smaller pulley" and I said perfect!! One funny look and then he smiled,.. ok he says! So next I ll hook up a volt gauge to she if she s actually charging. Have a great week and you all be safe, we ll get through this virus and get back to normal soon!! Thanks again!!

Alternator to battery?

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