Go BottomAlternator Battery Regulator
 | Normando
Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 30 New Hampshire 
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2007-10-09 146667
Hi Everyone, I have to say electricity is not my strong suite. I have a small electrical problem with my tractor and I'm trying to troubleshoot the problem before I start replacing parts and fixing the wrong problem.
My battery has been kind of weak lately and I have had to jump start my tractor. So yesterday I pulled out the old meter to try to find the problem. Here are some of my findings. Before the tractor is started, I have 12.15 volt at the battery terminals. As soon as I hit the starter is drops down to 6.56 volts. So I jump start it.
Now with the tractor running I get 12.25 volts at the battery terminals (when compared to my truck which has about 14 plus). I put the meter to the back side terminals of the alternator and I get the same results, 12.25v. If I switch on the headlights, the battery volts start to drop and level out at about 9.96 volts. Once the lights are turned off, the volts at the battery slowly start to climb (and I mean slowly) until the reach back to 12.25 volts.
I think it is the alternator but I am not positive. Is there another test or some other way I should have trouble shoot the problem? Oh by the way, I also checked the tension on the alternator belt and it was fine. If it is the alternator, should I or will I have to replace the battery?
Thank you!
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 | Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada 
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2007-10-09 146671
You don't say so, but I'm guessing you're talking about the JD 950 in your profile.
You are correct, the output of the alternator should be about 14 volts.
If it is lower than that I doubt it's the regulator since the job of the regulator is too REDUCE the voltage the alternator puts out to a safe level. If the regulator was shot the voltage should be higher than normal, not lower.
If you have a weak battery, or have installed some large current drawing accessories, you may have over-loaded the alternator and it gave up.
Best way to do it is to take it to a reputable auto electric shop that rebuilds alternators and have them bench test it.
Some of the bigger auto parts houses do this now for free, ask around.
Best of luck. ....
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| Normando
Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 30 New Hampshire
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2007-10-09 146680
Thank you for the quick reply and yes it is the JD 950. Yeah that is what I weas planning on doing. Once again Thank you!
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 | AnnBrush
Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 463 Troy OH
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2007-10-09 146685
"Before the tractor is started, I have 12.15 volt at the battery terminals. As soon as I hit the starter is drops down to 6.56 volts."
You might want to get the battery tested as well - your statement above indicates a problem with the battery. ....
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 | testing
Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2
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2007-10-09 146690
How old is the battery? ....
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| Normando
Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 30 New Hampshire
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2007-10-09 146705
About 1 year old. ....
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| jd110_1963
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 87 westminster, md
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2007-10-09 146712
I would take the regulator along to be tested also. A defective alternator can cause overcharging and undercharging. You also could have a broken wire between alternator and regulator. I would say chances are good the battery will be ok when the charging problem is resolved. ....
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