MF 231 Electrical Help

[Travis_R]

Hello,

The charge light (looks like a lightening bolt) indicator on the dash just started blinking.

When you first start the tractor, it comes on and stays on UNTIL you rev the throttle alittle then it goes off. Now, after alittle while the light will come back on and start blinking. It's never done this before. If I turn on the headlights or flashers or something, the light doesn't come on and start blinking.

What's the problem??

It has always started right up and the battery has never acted like it was weak or anything. I have a owner's manual and a parts manual but no service manual.

Thanks,
Travis

 

[MFRED]

Comes back on and starts blinking at an idle or all the time?

 

[DIRTROAD]

The only real trouble that I have had from my 231 was the charging system. Easy to fix with a one wire Delco alt. Best investment that could be made. Don't waste money rebuilding the factory one.

 

[Travis_R]

MFRED,

That is Exactly what it's doing.

But like i said, so far, it always starts right up and the battery is showing No signs of weakness... I'm not sure if it has the original alternator on there or not. I bought the tractor second hand.

Thanks,
Travis

 

[Travis_R]

The only real trouble that I have had from my 231 was the charging system. Easy to fix with a one wire Delco alt. Best investment that could be made. Don't waste money rebuilding the factory one.

Dirtroad,

Do you know what Delco model I would need, if it's the alternator??

I looked at the alternator that's on there now. I think it's the original one because it says "made in Poland" on the back of it and this tractor was made in Poland by a company called "Usrus", under license for Massey Ferguson.

Travis

 

[dcyrilc]

I wonder if the blinking could indicate overcharging when the battery is already fully charged?

 

[DIRTROAD]

Travis, I will find the model # and take a couple of pics for you. I also replaced the factory dummy light with a working gauge so I couls tell exactly whether it is charging or not.

and yes the factory one is from Poland. The charging system is just a weak link on the tractor. Once it is retro-fitted all problems go away.

I will try to go pick the tractor up tomorrow from a job. They are calling for 6 inches of snow, so I hope to get the tractor before it gets to deep.

 

[MFRED]

Yeah, sound like the alternator is starting to give out. Grab the one Dirtroad is talking about for an easy/cheaper fix.

I can't imagine that South Carolina is going to get more snow than we've had in a month! All we get is rain, what a sloppy mess it is around here.

 

[DIRTROAD]

Here is what the one-wire setup looks like on mine:


It is not a direct bolt on, but it only takes very little fabrication and modification to make it work.


Sorry, there wern't any model #'s visable, but it is one of the smaller ones. You don't need anything bigger.


I will gladly send this snow back north, I am tired of it. I think this storm won't amount to much accumulation.

 

[Travis_R]

Dirtroad,

Do you know about how much I should expect to pay for this alternator? I'll be going to Napa to get it...

Thanks,
Travis