Cadet 1641 charging/voltage regulator help
 

I have a 1641 that is not charging. Have 29.8vac coming off the stator.

The regulator is new(aftermarket). When I connect to the red off the regulator and the frame, I get 0.0-0.1 dc volts. I believe I should be getting 13(ish), right?

I realize it's possible I got a bad regulator, but it does seem highly unlikely. Is there something besides the regulator I should check into?

Thanks.

Jbo

Rectifier/regulator has to have a good ground or it won't work.

AS A TEST....

Take a long jumper wire and connect one end to the Battery Negative ( - ) terminal. With the engine running at WOT, touch the other end of the jumper wire to the Voltage Rectifier/Regulator case (or housing) and see if your system starts to charge.

* If it does, you have a grounding issue.
* If it does not, you have a bad V/R.

Will try this test hopefully this evening. But the body of the regulator it metal and it's bolted in, don't really see how it can not be grounded.

Thanks for the help. I'll let you know.

Jbo

One other thing to check, unplug regulator with engine off, turn key on and check to see if you have same voltage as battery on the center terminal of the regulator plug in. Might have an issue with wiring or a bad ignition switch. My 1650 would not charge and it was a ignition switch that was corroded not allowing current to pass through. Get a copy of the wiring diagram and trace the wiring from the regulator to the battery positive and check at each connection.
Here is a wiring diagram copy. If you want a bigger copy do a google search for cub cadet 1641 wire diagram.
Hope this helps.
Tom


Attachment 84388

My regulator has two connections on one side(stator) and one on the other. Which one is the 'middle'?

Jbo

I have a lot of experience messing with Vanguard engines. This might be a dumb question (forgive me if it is), because I've done this myself before by accident and I have an electronics engineering technology degree... Did you make sure to switch your meter from AC to DC? I've done this accidentally more than once and was confused by the results before I realized I forgot to switch. If not, and it is still set to AC checking a DC line, you might see 0-.1 volts because of AC ripple getting through the regulator on the DC. Otherwise, there is nothing else but a defective regulator or faulty grounding getting in your way on this engine that I'm aware of. The alternator plugs directly into the regulator, so I don't think the ignition switch would be involved. :beerchug:

Well, sure, but Farmall referenced the 'middle' connection. ??

An EXCELLENT point sorner. I think I changed it, but would not be surprised if I didn't. Will verify test when I get home.

Jbo

On many/most it is the middle connector that is 12v.
Just make sure it's not one of the two going to the stator.