Correct Regulator for the dynamo

npaisnel · Post by **npaisnel** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 3:31 pm

I know I need to do work on my charging system, and so thought I would try and find some info on regulator setup. I have some time to kill now, but cant get to the tractor to check, and I do not remember what regulator I have fitted ( or at least should be fitted)

I know it is a aluminium case, soeither RB107 or 108, but which should it be? and what is the difference?

Next question, anyone know a good link to a manual for strip/down and setup of the relevant unit?

OK, I know they are relatively cheap (£20) for a new one, but I would like to at least have a look at the old one, even if it is just to get the knowledge on how to do the job

Neil

Post by **Brian** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 3:46 pm

Neil,

I here what you say about regulators but from my experience, if you have a problem, it is far better to fit a new one. The incorrect setup without the proper tools will cause dynamo and possibly wiring failure. Even if you have the tools and time it is still something that I would avoid.

Having said that if you need the details I will get them to you.

npaisnel · Post by **npaisnel** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 8:42 pm

I have looked at the reg this evening, and it is the later model type RB108 aluminium can type sealed unit.. All the info I have downloaded only seems relevant to the RB106/2 removable cap types.

The RB108 I have on the tractor has no adjuster plugs on the casing, but the other three all have two black removable caps to allow adjustment of the voltages.

I have removed the ally cap on one, and have gently cleaned up the contacts with 1000 grade paper.

I cant see that there are many tools required to check the adjustment, just a voltmeter and ammeter. The dynamo and wiring loom all check out OK, good battery. Need to do a few n=more checks on battery voltage under load etc, but seem to remember charge current always pulsing at any revs.

SO if you had any info relating regarding to initial setup airgaps for the RB108, that would be great, because I cant find any. The I could strip the unit down, re gap it and set it up again properly

Thanks

Neil

Aussie Frank · Post by **Aussie Frank** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:44 pm

Hi Neil,

You obviously know how to read a volt meter and an ammeter so I would sugest you download the Lucas Generator and Control Box Tests from the Sterling British Motoring Society. http://www.sterlingbritishmotoringsocie ... _Tests.pdf They are easy to follow and will give you all the information you need to corectly set your control box what ever model you have. If you have a working unit all that is generally required is a small tweek of an adjusting screw or two and everthing will will work fine after that. As with everything electromechanical they need to be tweeked every now and then. The secret is knowing what to tweek.

Regards, Frank.

npaisnel · Post by **npaisnel** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 2:51 pm

Thanks for the link

I did the job yesterday using that very same document. I had to tweak the regulated voltage up a touch, but nothing much.

I now have a good charge rate to the battery. The engine hunts quite badly so it is difficult to get any steady readings except at full throttle, but dynamo output is now better than it was.

Even replaced the two warning lights, and oil pressure switch. So now it has complete working wiring loom.
Still need a new glow plug button, glow plug, horn and all lights, but at least all the wiring and switches work.

Post by **Brian** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 4:33 pm

Neil,
Sorrynto take so long but information on the setting of the ali. covered regulator seems few and far between. Perhaps it is because we just used to change them every time we fitted a dynamo. It was always the best way and we got very few warranty problems.

I have some details from my tester book that may help aned also some detail from the Nuffield workshop manual. This used the same regulator but with a different mounting.

You will need to know if your dynamo/regulator system is an 11 amp system or a 22 amp system. It should be an 11 amp one but it might have been changed. Easy way to tell is if the dynamo has a closed back plate it is 11 amp and an open (vented) one it will be 22 amp.

An 11 amp regulator may be used with a 22 amp dynamo but a 22 amp regulator should never be used with an 11 amp dynamo.

npaisnel · Post by **npaisnel** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 7:16 pm

Thanks Brian

I never found any of that info anywhere on the net

It is the 11amp unit I have, as standard.

I did a rough setup check the other day, but since the engine is hunting so much any accurate setting is difficult to do...at least now I have the accurate info for when I sort the hunting out

Thanks

Neil

npaisnel · Post by **npaisnel** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 7:50 pm

Just seen the top of the first two scans...Wilkinson....I have two sets of Wilkinson test meters, and I seem to remember having a book that came with them...maybe I still have it, can't think I would have thrown it away.