JD 4100 voltage regulator/rectifier is smoking

[George Atkins]

I know I am a little late to the party on this, but I was reading this thread when I was having a charging problem with a customer's 4100. None of the responses helped me any but after I finally found the problem I thought I would post it here so that maybe it would help someone.

I had the 4100 in my shop a week prior to it doing what this 4100 is doing.
Customer said it was not keeping the battery charged. We tested the alternator and it was in fact bad. We replaced it, tested the system and tested 14.7 volts. A week later the customer brought it back with the same complaint.

I tested the system everything check OK. Called the customer, he came in I went to show him it was OK and this time it tested 12.2 volts. I checked my test leads and suddenly it was @ 14.2 for a few seconds hen back to 12.3.
This time it would put the charging light out.

I had my service tech check the complete system, he found the regulator was getting hot. We had one in stock so we replaced it. That one also got hot. We then started looking for a short. We by-passed all the wiring from the alternator to the regulator, same thing 14.6 for a few seconds the 12.2
for several minutes. I hooked a volt meter to the battery, turned the switch on, I noticed it would have a heavy currant draw then would unload slightly.
We have not had that much experience with the 4100 and did not realize that it had auto glow plugs like Kubota uses. I disconnected the glow plugs and the system was working fine. Turned out to be the glow plug relay behind the grille. Regulator runs cool, 14.8 charging.:thumbsup:

 

[Soundguy]

interesting... hadn't thought about a glow plug timer.... darn them modern key-off hi falootin diesels.

soundguy

 

[rsewill]

Thanks!!! Just what I needed to know.

I know I am a little late to the party on this, but I was reading this thread when I was having a charging problem with a customer's 4100. None of the responses helped me any but after I finally found the problem I thought I would post it here so that maybe it would help someone.

I had the 4100 in my shop a week prior to it doing what this 4100 is doing.
Customer said it was not keeping the battery charged. We tested the alternator and it was in fact bad. We replaced it, tested the system and tested 14.7 volts. A week later the customer brought it back with the same complaint.

I tested the system everything check OK. Called the customer, he came in I went to show him it was OK and this time it tested 12.2 volts. I checked my test leads and suddenly it was @ 14.2 for a few seconds hen back to 12.3.
This time it would put the charging light out.

I had my service tech check the complete system, he found the regulator was getting hot. We had one in stock so we replaced it. That one also got hot. We then started looking for a short. We by-passed all the wiring from the alternator to the regulator, same thing 14.6 for a few seconds the 12.2
for several minutes. I hooked a volt meter to the battery, turned the switch on, I noticed it would have a heavy currant draw then would unload slightly.
We have not had that much experience with the 4100 and did not realize that it had auto glow plugs like Kubota uses. I disconnected the glow plugs and the system was working fine. Turned out to be the glow plug relay behind the grille. Regulator runs cool, 14.8 charging.:thumbsup:

 

[1hottractorgirl]

I'm new to this site and in need of help. Where would I find out where my voltage regulator is? I was told I should remove it and take it to battery shop to be tested. My solenoid got fried when I jumped started tractor. Replaced terminal cables, battery and new solenoid. Again, solenoid (new one) smoked and died.:ashamed:

It is a 4100 model.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Soundguy]

probably would be good to start your very own topic instead of tagging on to this old one.

hopefully a JD 4100 owner will be along soon to answer your question.

PS.. welcome to TBN

in the mean time.. you don't happen to have a parts manual do you? or service manual? in many cases, they have exploded parts diagrams that can help you locate the parts in question.



soundguy

 

[joecdeere]

I have a PDF file of the Deere Tech manual you may have, shoot me an email and I'll send it to you

Joe


murphy06@bellsouth.net

 

[1hottractorgirl]

Thanks Soundguy! I appreciate the suggestion. If I had a manual I wouldn't have had to ask the question. I'm a girl searching on the internet for answers. Thanks for your help.

 

[Soundguy]

don't think that owning the manual will automatically prevent you from asking questions. they are great places to start.. but asking questions is always helpfull too.

good luck

soundguy

 

[rsmith02184]

Ok...I guess I started this thread so I will give you all an update...it isn't good.

I took it to a repair shop and they couldn't find the problem. They just started replacing stuff in the charging system..EXPENSIVE! they still couldnt find it so they Just put in a 40 amp alternator bypassing the voltage regulator.

If it was the glow plug relay, am I going to have trouble with it still?

Thanks

 

[Soundguy]

if it's a load that is staying on.. yep.. don't matter what alternator or whatever you put on it. a load is a load. if it don't kill the charge system it will at least waste fuel and heat some wires up and if the glow plugs.. just burn them up eventually..

sad that no one at your mechanics place could use a 5$ meter and track your problem down.. that or a 3$ test lamp.

good luck

soundguy