Hello, just joined this forum and was hoping someone could help me with my charging problem on my TC 18. Checked all fuses and they are good, took alternator off and had it checked and was told it was good, bought a new voltage reg. And installed it, but still not charging, I can charge battery and it will last several days before I have to manually recharge it? I would appreciate any ideas. Also, I did noticed the old voltage reg it looked like it had got real hot, it had some melted plastic coming out of it. Would appreciate any ideas I could try. Thanks
TC18 quit charging
- Thread starter MacFacts
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guyw
Silver Member
I would check the voltage at the battery terminals with a voltmeter when the tractor is off, then with the tractor running. If the voltage is the same, I would suspect the wiring from the alternator to the battery some where. A fully charged battery will likely read somewhere around 12.6 volts. If it is getting a charge when the tractor is running, it should be higher, 13 or maybe even up to 14 volts. Years ago I had to replace the voltage regulator on my TC18, and that fixed the problem. Then earlier this year, the battery light came on again. This time it was a connector that was disintegrating on the wiring harness that connected to the alternator terminals. I replaced that with some Anderson connectors and all was well again.
LD1
Epic Contributor
Do you have a volt meter and know how to use one?
guyw
Silver Member
Here is a link to the post where I documented my voltage regulator replacement some years ago if it helps.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...lternator-light-2.html?highlight=#post2510262
Guy.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...lternator-light-2.html?highlight=#post2510262
Guy.
LD1
Epic Contributor
So whats the voltage at the battery, running and not running.
The FIRST reply to your post asked this question...
T
Battery voltage is about 12.4v sitting off, no change when running. I did noticed the plastic on my connector to the alternator was disintegrating also, I will replace that and see what happens. Thanks
Battery voltage is about 12.4v sitting off, no change when running. I did noticed the plastic on my connector to the alternator was disintegrating also, I will replace that and see what happens. Thanks
LD1
Epic Contributor
Ok, not getting juice back to battery.
Whats the voltage at the alternator output?
3-wire alt or single?
IF 3 wire, getting juice to the field?
For an auto mechanic of 10 years and electrician for 25, I would have though you would have checked these things already. Maybe you did and just arent giving us the details for some reason?
Either way, No chance anyone here is going to be able to help you if you dont give us some details.
You have a meter...use it. Check out the alternator. IF it has power to the field, and is spinning, it should be making a a few volts more than the 12.4. If not, change it. Pretty simple to diag. a basic charging circuit if you have a meter
Whats the voltage at the alternator output?
3-wire alt or single?
IF 3 wire, getting juice to the field?
For an auto mechanic of 10 years and electrician for 25, I would have though you would have checked these things already. Maybe you did and just arent giving us the details for some reason?
Either way, No chance anyone here is going to be able to help you if you dont give us some details.
You have a meter...use it. Check out the alternator. IF it has power to the field, and is spinning, it should be making a a few volts more than the 12.4. If not, change it. Pretty simple to diag. a basic charging circuit if you have a meter
