Re: (ET) Speed / power drain / reverse problems C185

[RJ Kanary <rjkanary consolidated net>]

              One quick and dirty way to help pin down that's going on is obliquely mentioned in the HSM. Promise me that you have it, OK ? <VBG>

                  Mechanically close the contacts of the 2AH relay.{Before doing so, clean the contacts on the relay leaves by dragging a business card or similar substitute through the contacts.}This will allow the 2A contactor to pick up,bypassing that armature resistor,(Yes, those are the ones that glow so nicely when that are still in the circuit when they shouldn't be.),to allow full armature voltage.In your case, it would be the right hand armature resistor in the front of the battery box.

NOTE.If the 1A contactor were to fail to pick up, the symptoms would be identical, except the LEFT hand side of the armature resistor would be imitating a toaster.

                  You SHOULD also be able to cause the 2A contactor to pick up by pressing the Cruise Control button.The 2A contactor is the one in the upper right hand corner of the lower panel in the Control Cabinet.The Field Weakening resistors are found on the right hand side of the upper Control Cabinet panel.

               Now that I have thoroughly confused you, any questions ?

RJ

On 8/16/2012 1:56 AM, Biophiliac wrote:

Hi RJ,
Thanks for quick response ;  your answer sounds most enticing so far..especially regarding paraphrased quote...

I can locate the 2A-H control relay.  It seems to be working when switching forward/ reverse. What / where is the 2A resistor bypass contactor? I replaced both contactors (my spell check changed to contractors below) as per Harold. Is there a separate resistor, or are you refering to field resistors assembly? Is there any way to test your theory? Or do I just replace the 2A-H?

Jef

RJ Kanary <rjkanary consolidated net> wrote:

       Problem 2 sounds like an issue with either the 2AH 
relay/wiring or the 2A resistor bypass contactor.

           If the 2AH relay coil does not 'see' enough voltage, the 
2A contactor will not pick up.As the GE manual could be easily 
paraphrased, "This can result in an undesirable condition,should the 
armature resistor remain in the circuit under heavy loading, or if 
Field Weakening is employed". Or BOTH.

        That's where I would begin the search.You may also find the 
Reverse gremlin in the same neighborhood.

RJ

On 8/15/2012 7:14 PM, Biophiliac wrote:

Hi all,
I believe I posted this question previously but still have yet to solve and actually use my C185 because of it.

The problem (s):
1)Reverse only works in fast cruise mode (cruise never has worked also) and only by putting foot to floor. It jerks hard when engages / disengages, especially with D1and D2.

2)When moving forward especially noteable in D1 and D2 the power draw is HEAVY and the front resistance coil gets hot and burned smell. I have never used the tractor since I've acquired it other than test driving short distances,  and I doubt the speed has reached more than 5-7 MPH.

I have tried new contractors as per Harold and has not made any difference . (I appreciate your help Harold nonetheless ; and understand it was an educated guess)

  Jim C suggested it may be diode issues in the varistor board...but I am currently unemployed and can't afford to keep on guessing what's wrong. Could someone please help?

Jef Spalding
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