FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How can I identify a cutout relay from a voltage regulator?
A: A cutout relay used on Delco and Autolite generators is rectangular in shape, and will have a “BAT” and “GEN” terminal located on each end, or on the bottom. Cutout relays used on IH tractors are square in shape, and will have two terminals on one side, and one on the opposite side. The “F” terminal on the IH relay is used only on applications without a light switch. (See the first IH page for an illustration) Mechanical cutout relays will have a single relay unit. Solid-state cutout relays have + and – posts, which are connected to match the system polarity. A regulator will have one relay unit, and two or three regulating units. Delco and three unit Autolite regulators will have three terminals on one side. Some two-unit Delco regulators will also have a fourth terminal on the bottom or opposite side. Autolite two unit regulators will have an “ARM” and a “FLD” terminal on one side, and a “BAT” terminal on the opposite side.
Q: How and when do I need to polarize my generator? A: All Delco and Autolite generators must be polarized whenever the generator or battery is disconnected. Most of these systems are known as a Type A system, where the generator field circuit is grounded outside of the generator. To polarize these Type A generators, momentarily touch a jumper lead from the regulator or cutout relay “BAT” terminal to the regulator or cutout relay “GEN” terminal. This must be done before the tractor is started. Extreme damage to the generator, wiring, ammeter and regulator (or cutout relay) will result if the battery and generator polarity are not matched.
Q: I want to convert my generator system to an alternator system and I need a wiring harness. What do I need, and why can’t I use the same harness as the generator? A: Some main factors to be considered are the amperage output, if the alternator requires an excitation circuit and if the alternator has an internal regulator. Most wiring harnesses used with generators are limited to about 20 amperes. Most alternators have at least a 40-ampere output, and the Delco 10SI alternator (the most common choice for conversions), is commonly rated at 63 amperes. We recommend that 8-gauge wire be used for more than 40 amperes. If the alternator requires an excitation circuit, it must be isolated from the ignition circuit to prevent back feeding from the alternator to the ignition coil. If the alternator requires an external regulator, the wiring harness will need to include the proper connectors and circuits. Typical required parts: mounting bracket, adjusting arm, sheave, belt, ignition resistor, self-energizing conversion plug, alternator, wiring harness. Most 24-volt to 12-volt conversions will also require a starter relay as well as a 12-volt starter.
Q: How and when do I need to polarize my generator? A: All Delco and Autolite generators must be polarized whenever the generator or battery is disconnected. Most of these systems are known as a Type A system, where the generator field circuit is grounded outside of the generator. To polarize these Type A generators, momentarily touch a jumper lead from the regulator or cutout relay “BAT” terminal to the regulator or cutout relay “GEN” terminal. This must be done before the tractor is started. Extreme damage to the generator, wiring, ammeter and regulator (or cutout relay) will result if the battery and generator polarity are not matched.
Q: I want to convert my generator system to an alternator system and I need a wiring harness. What do I need, and why can’t I use the same harness as the generator? A: Some main factors to be considered are the amperage output, if the alternator requires an excitation circuit and if the alternator has an internal regulator. Most wiring harnesses used with generators are limited to about 20 amperes. Most alternators have at least a 40-ampere output, and the Delco 10SI alternator (the most common choice for conversions), is commonly rated at 63 amperes. We recommend that 8-gauge wire be used for more than 40 amperes. If the alternator requires an excitation circuit, it must be isolated from the ignition circuit to prevent back feeding from the alternator to the ignition coil. If the alternator requires an external regulator, the wiring harness will need to include the proper connectors and circuits. Typical required parts: mounting bracket, adjusting arm, sheave, belt, ignition resistor, self-energizing conversion plug, alternator, wiring harness. Most 24-volt to 12-volt conversions will also require a starter relay as well as a 12-volt starter.