Alternator light flickers

[wesmann]

The alternator light on my YM276D flickers intermittently. It might be heat related. It starts after 15 minutes of run time. The flicker goes out when I turn the work lights on. The light comes on full red for 10 seconds when I turn the work lights off and then starts to flicker again. Any ideas where I should start looking for a solution?
Thanks

 

[winston1]

Time to break out the voltmeter. Check output on battery at fast idle and see what you are getting. Should be 12.5+ dc. If not, check your voltage coming off your dynamo for 20+ ac volts. If less, dynamo is probably bad. If 20+ your regulator is probably bad. If everything here checks ok start looking at wiring on lighting and warning lights. May want to do all this when cold and then again after lights start flickering.

 

[careyo63]

The Elec. sys. on my ym2000 was the most problematic to get straightened out. When it had the same problem as your describeing doing the exact same thing it ended up being a bad connection on the fuse panel. On the charge/alt. fuse on my panel it has two lower screws below the fuse. The lowest one had a bad connection and was loose. Just had to clean it and tighten it up. I haven't had any problems since. It took me awhile to find that one. I had to change the reg. to a solid state and the Alt. can be checked at a Auto parts store under a Datsun 110 I believe.

Carey

 

[YanmarFever]

First check your fan belt, then your plug in connector to the alternator, voltage regulator and you ignition.
If all those are good, clean and tight, THEN I would replace the voltage regulator, it sounds like it's ready to go bye bye.

I have had a few VRs flicker right before they go.....
Hoye Tractor has them in stock.
Ernie

 

[frankmako]

First check your fan belt, then your plug in connector to the alternator, voltage regulator and you ignition.
If all those are good, clean and tight, THEN I would replace the voltage regulator, it sounds like it's ready to go bye bye.

I have had a few VRs flicker right before they go.....
Hoye Tractor has them in stock.
Ernie

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Run it untill the light stays on all the time then replace the VR.

 

[wesmann]

Thanks for all the input. I'll check connections first. It has a fairly new VR already... Any chance the Datson Alternator or VR can be used for replacement?

 

[California]

It may already have the Hitachi/Datsun electrics that Yanmar also used. I would try and see what fits.

I think Hitachi used the same alternator design for years, decades, and just changed regulators once in a while.

The Datsun/Hitachi spec that is a near exact match to late 70's Yanmar is: 71-73 Datsun 510 (car) or 520 (truck) without A/C. That alternator is the same size and bolts right in, giving 35 amps in place of Yanmar's 15. Their 50 amp alternator for A/C takes the same regulator but it's fatter so you need to mess with mounts. I think after 73 Datsun kept those two alternators for a few years but went to a different regulator that is no longer identical to Yanmar.

If this regulator isn't a direct replacement, maybe try a mid 60's Datsun regulator. It might be identical to yours.


Also, the components for YM2200/YM2700 might be the same as what you need, and should be available from the Yanmar specialists.

 

[ProdaddyTX]

Don't forget to check battery ground cable on your first round of "easy stuff" checks....loose ground, bad connector on the cable clamps, or repainted surfaces where the ground cable connects to the frame are all pretty common as well.