Generators are easy to diagnose. If it's not working here's how you figure out what's wrong. Your tractor was originally positive ground so we will assume the tractor is still positive ground. Take the belts off then disconnect both wires at the generator. If you have a power steering pump on the generator, pull it loose as well. Now run a jumper wire from the battery negative to the A terminal on the generator. A set of jumper cables works well for this. The generator should start spinning fast like a motor. While you have the generator motoring, ground the F terminal on the generator. It should slow down but continue to motor. If it doesn't motor, or arcs at the commutator bars it could be worn brushes or shorted armature. Brushes are easy, the armature is very expensive.
If all was fine so far, now test the wires between the generator and regulator. Disconnect each wire one at a time and use them in a simple circuit with a headlight bulb for the load. Don't try to use an ohmmeter to verify your wires because 1 sliver of wire will show low resistance, but will not be able to carry the current needed. Bright bulb with each wire means they're capable of carrying the current needed. Now test the power wire for the system. It's connected to the BATT terminal on the regulator. Bright bulb is good. If everything checks out, check the regulator mounting points. The regulator needs a good ground through the mounting bracket. Buff off any rust and see if it works. If it still doesn't work, replace the regulator. B&B Steve on here knows where to get the best quality regulators these days. The online stuff is mostly cheap Chinese garbage.
Edited by Brian Jasper co. Ia - 04 May 2018 at 4:06pm
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