Ford 4000 3cyl Generator / Regulator Problem Help!

[kaiserjonty]

Hi mate thanks for the updated info.Yes the old owner replaced the starter a few years back. I dont have the tractor with me at the moment (its about 3hrs away at a bush block) so cant do your test anytime soon unfortunately. So to be sure I am clear I need to disconnect the dynamo/gen at the regulator ? or at the dynamo/gen ? then run a small wire between the two terminals and a wire back to the +ve on the batt? sorry just trying to visualise it!

[hair bear]

I know the feeling, my Major isn't that far from me but still not 'outside the door' for a spare 5 minute fix!
So to clarify, take the wires off at the dynamo and use a fresh bit of wire, that way you dodge making any other faults worse.

[kaiserjonty]

Gotcha! Thanks so much for your help. I will get back in touch once I try it out. I should be able to get back up to it in a week or so (Covid restrictions here in Victoria are preventing a lot of 'unessential' travel' ! ) cheers Rachel

[essexpete]

Good posts Rob!

[hair bear]

You're more than welcome, I just hope I'm right! I've got to the age now where I post something, then a couple of hours later start questioning what I wrote - that's my excuse anyway.

[jhonygee2020]

looks like a short circuit. It is definitely an electrical problem.

[hair bear]

Any news? I would have thought travelling for 'maintenance and health of a sick family member' acceptable? Failing that, tell 'em you need to be 'on the spanners' for your own mental wellbeing!

[kaiserjonty]

Hi hair bear, yes I did manage to get up there (under the cover of darkness) and run through the checks with the dynamo as you suggested. It worked faultlessly. So the issue was back at the regulator, I probably cooked that when I had the original electrical problem. Changed out the regulator and good to go all the tests show good output from the dynamo now. Have had a few other projects that have got in the way but the next step is to rewire the dash and get the warning lights functional. (so you may hear back from me!!) Thanks again for your help

[hair bear]

Good to hear, keep us updated as you go.

[whhh45]

Oh man, generator and regulator troubles are a real pain, aren't they? I totally feel for you. I had a similar saga with my old tractor. When my generator started heating up like yours, it turned out the regulator was the culprit. It wasn’t regulating the voltage properly, causing the generator to overheat. It was such a relief to finally figure that out.

And about flashing the field to B after charging the battery, I get why you did it, but these older electrical systems can be super finicky. I’ve had my share of “Oh no, what have I done?” moments while tinkering with mine.

If things keep going south, you might want to look into used generators for sale. Sometimes, getting a replacement is easier and more cost-effective than wrestling with an old, stubborn part.