model 86
 

Hi again...
I'm pretty sure that my 86 isn't charging. Is there anything to check before I start swapping parts out?
The engine starts fine with the starter/generator so that means it is good right? if it works as a motor it will charge right?

Also on another note... I'm hoping to use this tractor to till my garden in the spring. What all will I need to get a tiller on it? Is the 8hp Kohler enough to run one?

First....do you have ....
 

A voltmeter...even a $4.99 cheapie will work.

John

model 86
 

yes i have a voltmeter

Check across the battery terminals with the motor running full speed and let us know the reading.

If you haven't already down load and print these manuals. They will have almost all of the answers to your questions in them:

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4644

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4405

Most people prefer the Autolite plugs
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4638

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4646

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4665

Next...
 

Measure across the output of the S/G to ground....what do you see there?

model 86
 

ok... sorry too be so long in responding...
sitting static the battery has 13.6 volts, running wot it has 12.8 volts and checking at the generator wire i dont seem to be getting any voltage...
i took everything apart and cleaned the connections and re assembled.. but it diddnt help.

86 not charging...
 

ok my 86 isnt charging and it seems to be the generator... are they hard to overhaul? is it usually just cleaning the armature enough to get them going again? or do i have to send it out?

i too have an 86 that had a bad s/g. it spun, but put out nothing as far as charging. i opted to take it apart and clean the armature, and all points of contact. it was very rusty in there from sitting out in the elements. take your time if this is the route you choose. a fine wire brush, perhaps the kind you'd use in cleaning the nozzle of a spray gun, electrical contact cleaner, an air hose, and a good set of eyeballs. make sure the "a" and "f" terminals are not broke.
this took me about 2hrs. to clean and reassemble. you may need an extra pair of hands. the s/g has been performing flawlessly since then. also make sure your belt is tight enough, any slippage will prevent a low or false reading on the meter. this is what i did on mine. there may be some things i overlooked. i'm sure others will respond. good luck. keep us posted.
rick

Careful that you don't damage the insulation on the windings on the armature and case as you clean, especially if you clean them with a wire brush. A little surface rust inside the case doesn't hurt anything, as long as the armature spins freely. What needs to be clean is on the armature where the brushes run. I'd clean that part with a emory cloth (not too heavy grit, though). I'd also clean up any rust stains on the bearing shafts with fine emory cloth.

86 generator
 

ok, im gonna give it a shot
it is soaking in penetrant now,
any secrets or clues as i take it apart?
:bigthink:

generator...
 

ok... generator is shot. new one on its way
also scored a creeper gear so hopefully next week ill have some work to do:bigthink:

sorry to hear about the s/g. at least your able to move on. i hate being stumped on a small project. good luck with the new one.
rick

is it charging?
 

ok guys, i replaced the s/g and nor the ammeter on the dash is going crazy
the battery static is 12.8 and running wot is only going up to 13
did i do something wrong?
will a new s/g need polarized?

Did you make SURE all the connections between the battery +, to the S/G are clean and shiny?

Did you make sure the connection from the - term to ground is clean and shiny?

That would be the first recommendation. It takes very little resistance to cause a significant drop in charging voltage.

What does "going crazy" mean in regards the ammeter? It should be just a series connection.

not charging
 

i took all the connections apart and sanded the terminal and the contact
s/g regulator and battery..

the ammeter bounces the full sweep of the gauge foem d-c back and forth
may stay a lil more towards c but swins back and forth anytime the tractor is running

Did you check the ground connection (and the others for that matter) on your voltage regulator? Likewise all the connections (clean and tight) at the solenoid.

What is the voltage at the solenoid (A) terminal of the SG when it's running? Is it steady and what is the value?

Make sure the ground and all connections at the solenoid are in good shape too.

If all that is good, I'd look to see if the terminals in the VR are pitted or dirty.

That's the typical failure mode for an ammeter...replace that before proceeding.

Charge problems
 

If the ammeter is a shunted type, that probably isn't the problem with your charging. If it's not a shunted ammeter it's possible it could be related to your charge issue but it's easy enough to test:

Just move one of the two wires going to the ammeter to the other lug and tighten. That eliminates the ammeter as the cause of the problem... if the charge stays as is, it might be a meter going bad but unrelated to your issue.

If you start with the output of your S/G and work your way towards the battery you'll be able to tell where your charging issue is found. 13V isn't too far off what you want to see anyway (at 13V the battery IS being charged, albeit at a very low rate). ... Ideally you'd want to see 13.5-14 volts so you're not far out of the ballpark.

Keep at it, you'll get there!
John