kingnothing71us 108 #1 Posted October 8, 2015 Hi guys, I got my no name 10 (Raider 10) about a month ago. The guy I purchased it from said he put a new battery in it. I notice the volt meter needle doesn't move when it runs. I did hook up a volt meter to the battery before starting it and while it was running. The battery reads a higher voltage before starting but while it's running it is slightly lower but doesn't drop dramatically. My volt meter has a light on it that will light up if it even gets near electric and that blinks while the motor is running with the probes hooked to the battery. Could it be that the volt meter on the tractor is bad or is it rare they go bad? I'm guessing it's the original volt meter on it and it's a 1973 tractor. If someone can give me any tips to check things out, I appreciate it very much. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,891 #2 Posted October 8, 2015 That tractor originally came with an ammeter so it's not original. The first thing I'd do is check it with a multimeter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingnothing71us 108 #3 Posted October 8, 2015 You're right Racinbob, it is an ampmeter. I'm in no way close to being an electrician or knowing about electricity. I'll check resistance when I get home. On my way to Hershey for the big antique auto show and flea market. Thanks for the info. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,891 #4 Posted October 8, 2015 Oh, OK. No biggie. In that case I would clean up the connections and make sure they are tight. With the key in the run position but the engine not running, turn on the lights. The needle should swing a fuzz to discharge (left of center). It won't be much. Starting the tractor you should see the needle swing to the + (right of center). With a fully charged battery it will drop back pretty quickly. Look at that and if you're not having any problems everything is probably fine. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingnothing71us 108 #5 Posted October 9, 2015 I haven't had a chance to check it or the connections. Ever since I got the tractor the needle stays in one spot. It does vibrate while its running buy doesn't move one way or another. If I can get to it before the rain starts tomorrow I'll let you know the outcome. Thanks again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingnothing71us 108 #6 Posted October 9, 2015 Hey Racinbob, I went out today to do some grade work on the dirt/gravel labe I live on and noticed sometimes the amp meter works. I think I have a loose/bad connection somewhere. As I was moving dirt I looked down and saw the needle in the plus position. It stayed there for awhile until I ran out of gas. I went to start it after filling up and nothing happened. The + cable on the battery was loose. After gettting it going I noticed the needle stayed pretty much centered. I turned it off, did the light thing you mentioned and the needle moved to the left a little bit. I'll check the connections once the rain stops and see what happens. I'll keep you posted. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,891 #7 Posted October 9, 2015 Good deal. I'm betting that once you get everything clean and tight you'll be good to go. Make sure you get the wires on the same ammeter terminals. It will work fine but will read backwards. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingnothing71us 108 #8 Posted October 9, 2015 I took the clip off the back of the voltage regulator and found the wire going into the clip coming from the amp meter wasn't making 100% contact. I fixed it up but the needle still stays around the middle and only drops when I turn on the lights, nothing when I rev it up. Atleast I know it functions and thats what I was worried about. Thanks again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,891 #9 Posted October 10, 2015 I think you should check the voltage at the battery. Let's make sure it's charging. It should be +\- 14.6 volts with the motor running and revved up. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingnothing71us 108 #10 Posted October 10, 2015 My volt meter reads 12.38 steady while it's running and reved up. The battery reads 12.50 while off. Now what do I check? I hate dealing with electric but I dont wanna have to keep buying batteries so I really want to get it right. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingnothing71us 108 #11 Posted October 11, 2015 Bob, I put a new clip on the back of the voltage regulator and when I took it out to do some work the amp meter stays on the positive side and dropped when I lowered the throttle, the way it should. It stayed that way the whole time I had it running so I'm guessing the problem is solved. I'll check again tomorrow and hook my volt meter up and check the reading. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,891 #12 Posted October 11, 2015 I think your tractor has the 15 amp regulated system. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong. When you say clip do you mean the connector? If it was crudded up you may have found the problem. Make sure the voltage is up where it should be running and revved a bit. If it's not then we need to check the stator and regulator/rectifier. For some reason I'm not getting a warm fuzzy about your reg/rec but then again, I'm 1000 miles away. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingnothing71us 108 #13 Posted October 11, 2015 I fired it up and everything is fine. The meter is working and with it idled up I put the volt meter on the terminals and got a 16.67 reading. Thanks for all the help. If something happens again I'm going to get a different voltage regulator from my parts source. I just need this tractor to make it through the winter so I can move snow with it. Next summer I may tear it down and redo a bunch of stuff like all the wiring and atleast paint. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
