Battery charging?

TommyK · #1 09-01-2010, 03:49 PM

I'm hoping someone can help me with a question. I recently purchased a cub cadet 108, 1973 or 74 (judging by starter generator item number) from my neighbor, a self proffessed cub cadet junkie. He told me the battery isn't charging. The charge indicator shows a draw on the battery when i start the cub, then remains on the center of the indicator. Replaced the voltage regulator and the starter generator, indicator still only shows a draw on the battery when i start the tractor. The battery is fully charged via battery charger. My question is, should the charge indicator show a charge to the battery? If so, when should it show a charge? (during idle, while driving?)

ol'George · #2 09-01-2010, 04:33 PM

After you start the engine, it should show a good charge @ higher rpm's
then taper back to little after a few minutes(depending on how quickly it started) but still be in the + zone.
Usually they will show no charge @ dead idle as a generator has no/little output at low speed.

TommyK · #3 09-02-2010, 02:41 PM

Thanks George. I have not seen the indicator show a charge yet, either after i start the tractor or at higher rpm's. If and when i discover the problem i'll post to share the info.

kwduffy · #4 09-02-2010, 03:22 PM

It could be just a bad meter or wire somewhere, did you have the S/G reparied or replaced, was it replaced with a known good S/G?

Hubman · #5 09-02-2010, 03:26 PM

I certainly will not claim to be an expert , just check any of my threads. I have been told that to check if all is well . Place a Volt meter ( vom ) across the battery it should read 13.5 to 14 volts . while engine is running, with throttle up half way . Who knows you just may have a bad meter or bad wiring to meter.
Oh and check your wiring , bad grounds seem to be a real cause for headaches.

TommyK · #6 09-02-2010, 03:58 PM

KW Duffy, I replaced the starter generator with a new one purchased from pat's small engine parts plus. The original S/G didn't have the drive end space collar on it, so I didn't use the one that came with the new S/G. Hubman, I tested the VOM across the battery with the tractor running with throttle half way up, it read 12 volts. I figure the indicator is ok because it shows the draw on the battery. Checking the wiring is next. I downloaded a bunch of wiring schematics so hopefully I can figure it out.

bsyphrit · #7 09-02-2010, 05:57 PM

i had a similar problem on my 125 this spring, it would show no charge but if i opened the hood while it was running and tapped on the voltage regulator and wiggled the wires then it would show a good charge.

with that being said after my rattle can paint job i was pulling off parts and cleaning them and reinstalling them, VR included. now when running it works fine so you may want to look at the VR for bad wires or poor ground.

sometimes it is the little things that turn a great day into a not so good one

Elephants1772 · #8 09-02-2010, 07:13 PM

Now, I've got this same problem on my 1772, I know that it don't have the starger/generator, like yalls, but my question would be, Is this Voltage Regulator, the thing mounted on the dash, that looks like a heat sink, with all the fins..

If it is, that's what I'm thinking is my problem. Because as far as the multi meter goes, that's the culprit.

Thanks
Cody

ol'George · #9 09-02-2010, 08:39 PM

Tommy K, welcome to OCC!!
I Seemed to miss that initially.
Now, with the motor running @ higher rpm's, GROUND the field wire on the generator,you should get a charge indicated on the amp meter if all is hooked up correctly and the Starter/generator is good.
You can use a screwdriver to the generator base, or use a jumper wire to the negative battery terminal which will allow you to ground it and see the amp gauge @ the same time if working alone.

TommyK · #10 09-03-2010, 10:51 AM

Bysprhit, I replaced the VR, but with a standard VR from a parts store. Don't know if that matters. Cody, my VR is under the seat, next to the battery, if that helps. A black box with 3 termintals coming off of it. Thanks George, I'll try your suggestion. I love my cub, I wish I had more land to mow! I replaced the air filter when I replaced the SG, and it's like having a brand new cub! The air filter had never been replaced, judging by the condition it was in. I'll post pixs if I can find my cable for my camera to download them to my PC.