4500 Alternator Gauge

Clyde · Jun 17, 2005

In the past few weeks, on startup, my alternator output reads in the red as if it's not charging. Despite adding RPM's, it still doesn't help the readings but the red light goes out. After a few minutes, the alternator voltage slowly comes up to the 14.5 level. The alternator belt is tight and not glazed so it's not slipping. The battery is never dead and the tractor always starts immediately. I shifted my ground from the grillwork directly to the starter bolt two years ago. Either this little item has eluded my observations for the last 2 years or it just started happening. Anyone else out there ever notice this or is it an omen?

Edit: hand-held voltmeter doesn't show any charging at this time either so dash voltmeter seems to be accurate and reporting properly. It would seem that after starting a diesel engine, the voltage regulator would be immediately trying to make up the deficit in the battery charge.

Thanks - Clyde

musa_marketing · Jun 24, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( In the past few weeks, on startup, my alternator output reads in the red as if it's not charging. Despite adding RPM's, it still doesn't help the readings but the red light goes out. After a few minutes, the alternator voltage slowly comes up to the 14.5 level. The alternator belt is tight and not glazed so it's not slipping. The battery is never dead and the tractor always starts immediately. I shifted my ground from the grillwork directly to the starter bolt two years ago. Either this little item has eluded my observations for the last 2 years or it just started happening. Anyone else out there ever notice this or is it an omen?

Edit: hand-held voltmeter doesn't show any charging at this time either so dash voltmeter seems to be accurate and reporting properly. It would seem that after starting a diesel engine, the voltage regulator would be immediately trying to make up the deficit in the battery charge.

Thanks - Clyde )</font>

The 00 series has a cold weather start aid that uses a manifold heater and timer switch.

Regardless of the outside temperature, the proper starting procedure is to turn on the ignition with the key and wait for the heater indicator light near the ignition switch to go off. Then turn the key to crank. Once the engine starts, release the key.

If you wait for the light to go off before cranking, your alternator will be energized and the meter will indicate the charge.

Clyde · Jul 10, 2005

MUSA - just as you described. I just didn't recall my 4500 taking some time for the ammeter to show charging before. Thanks for taking the time to explain it.

Clyde

Maine_Polack · Jul 10, 2005

musa, does it damage anything to just turn key and start the tractor, as done in a car?

musa_marketing · Jul 11, 2005

Clyde, thank you for letting me know this resovled your issue.

I'm not sure about damage caused by starting the engine before the indicator light goes out. But I wouldn't crank the engine until the indicator light goes out. I would want to wait for the alternator to fully energize before cranking.

The operator's manual for my 2005 Harley (fuel injected) says to wait for an indicator light to go out before starting. So that's what I do.