L275 Charging(or lack of)

[OrangeM5700]

Hello gang:
Dads L275 isn't charging the battery. Cleaned connections, belt tight etc.
First thought is/was to get new alternator. The alternator is original equipment. Battery voltage was 12.2. With tractor around 12-1400 rpms voltage at alternator was 12.4?
Looking for any suggestions before I pull the trigger on a new alternator, only to find it may be some other problem. And suggestions on a good place to get a "good" alternator if goes that route?
THANK YOU for your thoughts and ideas...David

 

[dnr2011]

What is the voltage with the tractor engine not running versus running? Same?


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[bucktail]

Should be 14ish volts when charging. I had mine rebuilt at an alternator and starter shop. I'd pull it off and get it tested if you can. Napa or O'Reilley's can test it if they have the right pigtail. Mine is only a 15 amp alternator, so I'm having second thoughts about not replacing it with something bigger with an internal regulator, but I'll probably just swap out the lights to LED's instead of fixing the ones I have and not worry about it.

 

[OrangeM5700]

DNR
Voltage is the same running, not running. Ran tractor about 3/4 hour couple of days ago thinking it might show voltage increase in battery. Wrong, voltage was still 12.2 when parked with motor running.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Could also have an issue with the voltage regulator.

I have emailed you a link to download the WSM for that tractor, it has the testing procedures in it for the charging system.

 

[85Hokie]

DNR
Voltage is the same running, not running. Ran tractor about 3/4 hour couple of days ago thinking it might show voltage increase in battery. Wrong, voltage was still 12.2 when parked with motor running.

YOU have a alternator problem - or a voltage regulator problem - or perhaps both. YOU could measure the voltage COMING into the voltage regulator ....it would be on an AC scale.......and if you can measure - the AC should climb with RPM's.

now - on your tractor - is the VR made inside the alternator or outside? I have no idea.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

YOU have a alternator problem - or a voltage regulator problem - or perhaps both. is the VR made inside the alternator or outside? I have no idea.

Voltage regulator is under the dash, so external.
It could also be a bad battery, it's worth pulling and having it tested.

 

[OrangeM5700]

North Idaho Wolfman:
Thanks for the links. I now have something tangible to guide me. I can change parts but very limited on diagnosing and trouble shooting knowhow(it is tough going through life being stupid )...
Again, THANK YOU... David

 

[OrangeM5700]

Voltage regulator is under the dash, so external.
It could also be a bad battery, it's worth pulling and having it tested.

A working charging system, running, wouldn't show charging voltage with a bad battery?

 

[Tooljunkie]

North Idaho Wolfman:
Thanks for the links. I now have something tangible to guide me. I can change parts but very limited on diagnosing and trouble shooting knowhow(it is tough going through life being stupid )...
Again, THANK YOU... David

I have to disagree, you can check voltage you can test charging system with guidance from a manual. Also wiring needs to be checked with your volt/ohmmeter.