HankB 16 #1 Posted January 1, 2010 I'd like to wish everyone here a happy new year and at the same time share something that made me happy. One of the things I learned in the process of getting our A-80-E working is that the factory diodes are a weak link in the charging system. I did a web search and came up with this very helpful page. Search for "5-12-0 General" and you will see a picture of the diode board exactly like the one on the Tecumseh VM-80 that powers the A-80-E. (Well, the one I have is not that clean. ) There are also directions for replacing the NLA cartridge diodes with common and readily available parts. I found 1N5404 diodes at my local Radio Shack for $1.59 for two. I soldered them to the clips that used to hold the cartridges and solved the charging problem. Needless to say, I was deeply disappointed when I found 1N5404 diodes at my local American Science and Surplus for only 20 cents each. I could have saved $1.19 (plus tax!) (Just kidding. I'm not going to lose any sleep over that. ) But it did give me an idea. For $2 and postage, I could share this find with 5 RS members and perhaps help someone else solve a charging problem on their tractor. And it occurs to me that if a well stocked Radio Shack is not handy, it could cost a whole lot more to acquire a pair of these. And this give-away - as generous as it is - should hold the record for the least expensive free offer on RS for a long time to come. Honestly, I cannot imagine anyone giving away anything that cost less. (In fact, postage will cost more than the diodes. ) So... The first 5 members to PM or email me their snail mail address will get a couple of these diodes by mail. best, hank Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickv1957 72 #2 Posted January 1, 2010 Happy New Year!!!,Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tugboat 0 #3 Posted January 1, 2010 Happy New Year everyone tugboat in Hartland,MI :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wheel horse 1045 2 #4 Posted January 1, 2010 (hickup) and happy new year Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daddy Don 905 #5 Posted January 1, 2010 For that we will just give you a free happy new year. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whfan74 2,066 #6 Posted January 2, 2010 Happy New Year to you as well! Hoping to have my electric up and running this spring! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
