My 1956 OC4 came with an alternator. It doesn't charge the battery. My Battery is wired with a Positive Ground. I want to be sure that the conversion was wired correctly before I look for a new alternator. I know how to wire a Negative ground alternator, but I'm not sure about positive ground systems. I dont want to fry anything. Can anyone help with a scematic?
I converted my OC4 from a 6 volt, positive ground, generator to a 12 volt, negative ground, alternator system a couple of years ago. The alternator came out of a Toyota truck. I used this small one since I did not wish to cut any sheet metal.
I suspect your charging system should be negative ground also, since it has an alternator. It all depends on what the alternator is set up for.
Thanks for the reply, Jim. My battery is connected with the POSITIVE connected to Ground. The alternator is very small, I have no Idea what it came off of. I havent started to investigate yet, but I dont think the alternator can be wired with a negative ground. For me to switch to a Negative Ground I think I would need a new starter? It would turn in reverse.
If the starter is a permanent magnet type it will turn in reverse. If it is a wound stator field type it won't care what polarity you apply. See if a screw driver blade sticks to the side of it. If it does it's a permanent magnet type. If it doesn't you should be good to go.
A Negative ground system would be a plus, but what about the Magneto? Would I have to re-wire it? I definitly dont want to fry that.
There is no current from the charging system that goes to the magneto. Me I do not care for single wire alternators. Since your tractor has a mag you may need a shut off switch controlled by oil pressure so the alternator does not run the battery down, but that may depend on what alternator you buy.
I had to add a contact to my kill switch, to open up the field circuit for the alternator. My starter was not permanent magnet and works fine. ....actually a little better since it spins the engine faster to start.