Helmer 0 #1 Posted May 7, 2010 First here are a couple of pictures of my horse. So I was moving some brush and logs dragging the cart around. I noticed the ampmeter needle was pegged all the way to the left . I shut it down and the needle went back to center, I started it back up and the needle pegs to the left. So I'm thinking something is shorted and shut down. The wires were pretty heated at the rectifier so I figure the rectifier is shot. I let it cool down and unplug the rectifier. Now it wont even turn over. I'm out in the woods and not much light left. I try to jump the solenoid and it turns over fine but no spark. Plug the rectifier back in, still nothing. OK so where do I start? I suppose I could take the entire wiring apart and check every wire, new rectifier? I have a multimeter and basic knowledge but electrical problems always seen mysterious. Any ideas? :USA: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tgranthamfd 29 #2 Posted May 7, 2010 The wheel horse electrical section is new, you should check it out it may give you some ideas of where to start your trouble shooting. Would probably be best to get it started and check your ac voltage at the stator and rectifier. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Save Old Iron 1,571 #3 Posted May 7, 2010 First step is to remove the electrical connect from the rectifier / regulator and leave it off. Inspect the tractor for any obvious visual damage and damage to the electrical wiring. Put a full charge on the battery. (With a full discharge showing on your amp meter, your battery is probably dead right now.) Maybe even a good cleanup of the battery terminals and cables while your waiting for the charge to complete. Start the tractor on battery and get it up and running on the battery. If the tractor will not start on the battery, we have other issues to talk about. Lets see if it starts on a full charge battery the way its supposed to. p.s What is the range on your amp meter +/- 15 amps? 20 amps? 30 amps? . . . . . . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,279 #4 Posted May 7, 2010 WOW...that is a nice looking horse... :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Helmer 0 #5 Posted May 7, 2010 I think I am making progress. Battery is still on full charge since I didn't run it long once I noticed the problem. I found that one of the terminals on the ammeter had heated up, melted the plastic and lost its connection. I repaired this and now I can start and run again. It looks like the rectifier is fried. Between on AC and B+ terminal there is continuity, while the other AC to B+ terminal is open. That doesn't sound correct. I went thru all the wiring and connections and didn't find any melted or burned wires or shorts. So my plan is to check the stator output and if good, replace the rectifier. I'll double check all grounds and connections and hope that the problem is solved. At least for now I can run the tractor without the rectifier. Thanks to all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickv1957 74 #6 Posted May 7, 2010 Nice looking tractor there!! Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
