[cliff_waltz]

To start off i am terrible when it comes to trouble shooting electrical problems. My 318 with the B43G engine has the battery light on continuously. The voltage at the battery is 12.15 at idle and goes up to 12.16 at WOT. I checked some connections and grounds today with no change in voltage. I have the technical manual and cant really follow what tests they say to do. Yes I do have a voltage meter and know somewhat how to use that, thanks to college physics class. I will appreciate any and all help. The tractor has just enough voltage to start.
Thanks Cliff

 

[gene_cunningham]

Cliff,

Have the same 318 with a B43G and just went through this same problem. I had to replace the voltage regulator. There are a couple of tests that can be done on the charging system that are real simple if you know how to use a VM.

The light will be on if the battery voltage is not at or above 12.3 volts ( That's from memory and I'm old , so be sure and check spec in manual ). Your voltage regulator should put out up to 14.x volts at WOT.

I believe the test for the stator requires you to disconnect the b+ ( 12 volt lead to wiring harness ) and measure the AC voltage between the two AC posts on the VR with the engine running. I will have to check the spec's but I think it's in the 30 35 VAC range. I believe that's what mine read when I checked it.

If you do a search on 318 and charging , you will find lots of posts with diagrams and procedures to trace this problem.

I got a used , tested VR from boomer here at the forum for a real good price and it fixed the problem.

Let me know if you need more info and I can send you some stuff on PM.

Gene

 

[cliff_waltz]

Thanks Gene, I've been a little under the weather and with working I have had no energy to look at it. Maybe tomorrow.

 

[cliff_waltz]

I checked the AC voltage at the regulator and it wasn't up to spec. so off to NAPA I went for a new regulator. Installed it and the battery light went out. Thanks for your help Gene.

 

[gene_cunningham]

Glad to here you got her running. Troubleshooting these old electrical systems can be a pain.

Gene

 

[garandpa]

I've got the same problem. Do you happen to have the NAPA part number? Will they cross the JD number?

Roy

 

[danvan54]

I too had a charge light on in my 316 Onan and after testing the charging circuit, the solution was a new regulator. Problem solved!

 

[cliff_waltz]

I don't have the NAPA part number. I took the old one in and they looked it up in their catalog. I threw all the packaging away as hopefully I never have to buy 1 again.

 

[gene_cunningham]

You can also get good used ones here from boomer. I got one and he shipped it quick and it worked fine and was a LOT less than the ones from NAPA.

Gene