Electrical System Quick Checks; Electrical System Quick Checks; Charging System Test; Glow Plug System Test - Toro Reelmaster 3550-D Service Manual

Electrical System Quick Checks

Battery Test (Open Circuit Test)
Use a multimeter to measure the voltage between the
battery terminals.
Set multimeter to the DC volts setting. The battery
should be at a temperature of 60 to 100F (16 to 38C).
The ignition key should be off and all accessories turned
off. Connect the positive (+) meter lead to the positive
battery post and the negative (−) meter lead to the nega-
tive battery post.
NOTE: This test provides a relative condition of the bat-
tery. Load testing of the battery will provide additional
and more accurate information (see Battery Service in
the Service and Repairs section of this chapter).

Charging System Test

This is a simple test used to determine if a charging sys-
tem is functioning. It will tell you if the charging system
has an output, but not its capacity.
Use a digital multimeter set to DC volts. Connect the
positive (+) multimeter lead to the positive battery post
and the negative (−) multimeter lead to the negative bat-
tery post. Keep the test leads connected to the battery
posts and record the battery voltage.
NOTE: Upon starting the engine, the battery voltage
will drop and then should increase once the engine is
running.
NOTE: Depending upon the condition of the battery
charge and battery temperature, the battery voltage will
increase at different rates as the battery charges.
Start the engine and run at high idle (3200 RPM). Allow
the battery to charge for at least three (3) minutes. Re-
cord the battery voltage.

Glow Plug System Test

This is a fast, simple test that can help to determine the
integrity and operation of your Reelmaster glow plug
system. The test should be run anytime hard starting
(cold engine) is encountered on a diesel engine
equipped with a glow plug system.
Use a digital multimeter and/or inductive Ammeter (AC/
DC Current Transducer). Properly connect the ammeter
to the digital multimeter (refer to manufacturers' instruc-
tions) and set the multimeter to the correct scale. With
the ignition switch in the OFF position, place the
Electrical System
Voltage Measured
12.68 V (or higher)
12.45 V
12.24 V
12.06 V
11.89 V
After running the engine for at least three (3) minutes,
battery voltage should be at least 0.50 volt higher than
initial battery voltage.
Test the battery (see Battery Service in this manual) and/
or the alternator/voltage regulator assembly (see
Kubota Workshop Manual) if necessary.
An example of a charging system that is functioning:
At least 0.50 volt over initial battery voltage.
Initial Battery Voltage
Battery Voltage after 3 Minute Charge
Difference
ammeter pickup around the main glow plug power sup-
ply wire and read the meter prior to activating the glow
plug system. Adjust the meter to read zero (if applica-
ble). Activate the glow plug system by turning the igni-
tion switch to ON and record the multimeter results.
The Reelmaster glow plug system should have a read-
ing of approximately nine (9) amps per glow plug (27
amps total). If low current reading is observed, one (or
more) of the glow plugs is faulty.
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Battery Charge Level
Fully charged (100%)
75% charged
50% charged
25% charged
0% charged
Reelmaster 3550−D/3555−D/3575−D
= 12.30 v
= 12.85 v
= +0.55 v