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Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Forum
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Farmall M generator 12 volt

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SproutW

02-24-2005 03:26:08




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Question for all of you. I have a 1951 Farmall M appears to have the original 6 volt charging system. I've located a parts supplier that has a 12 volt generator that looks just like the 6 volt. I like to keep things original and just don't have it in me to add an alternator. Anyone with any experience with this modification? Obviously the battery and voltage regulator needs changed as well, but I think I can still use the standard 6 volt starter. Do I need to change wire harness? Would the change over to 12 volts be worth it or should I just leave it at 6 volts. The tractor is currently not running and will soon be restored. All opinions welcomed.

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SproutW

02-25-2005 06:58:38




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 Re: Farmall M generator 12 volt in reply to SproutW, 02-24-2005 03:26:08  
Thanks for all of the opinions guys. Since the tractor is stuck and getting ready for a restoration, I may just leave the 6 volt system for now and see how we do. I will be sure to make up some heavy duty cables and see how she rips. If things don't work out then I will change it over to 12 volts. I appreciate the posts like always and like hearing everyones opinions and experiences.



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P Backus

02-24-2005 12:42:03




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 Re: Farmall M generator 12 volt in reply to SproutW, 02-24-2005 03:26:08  
I'm in the "original camp" too. All my 6 volt stuff is as reliable as the 12 volt stuff. Just need to address the problem, not the symptom.
Paul



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EricB

02-24-2005 07:58:53




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 Re: Farmall M generator 12 volt in reply to SproutW, 02-24-2005 03:26:08  
I converted my W4 to 12v four years ago. The best thing I ever did. At -20C I got tired of the non starting, or stalling 3 fields away and walking back for a boost. Since then I have never had a failed start, but I have used a block heater for 20 minutes in the real cold stuff.
You have your choice, a tractor that looks just like new or a tractor that works when you need it. It just depends what you want.
Personally I use my W4 and when I need it I don't want to fool around. I change the mag to coil, I change the lights, I changed to a screw on oil filter, put in a block heater, anything to make the job easier.
Good luck.

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farmallhal

02-24-2005 06:36:20




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 Re: Farmall M generator 12 volt in reply to SproutW, 02-24-2005 03:26:08  
I'm with the leave as it is guys. I converted a H to 12 volts and think my whole problem was just small cables. I got new ones custom made at NAPA from #1 cable w/soldered terminals and I'm convienced that was all it needed. The cables that came on the tractor from the previous owner were too long, Wally Mart type #6 wire and were just too small to provide enough 6 volt current to the starter.

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gORDO

02-24-2005 05:29:23




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 Re: Farmall M generator 12 volt in reply to SproutW, 02-24-2005 03:26:08  
mOST OF THE OLD TRACTORS have graond and starter cables that were replaced at some point . And usually the replacement was a cheap automotive #4 cable. Go toan electriac shop, with the length measurements and get cables made up from #1 or 00 cable. Your M will turn over like a new F150 on it's 6 volt battery.

Gordo



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Randy in NE

02-24-2005 04:43:38




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 Re: Farmall M generator 12 volt in reply to SproutW, 02-24-2005 03:26:08  
If you like to keep things original then why would you want to convert it to 12v. These tractors were designed for 6v. If the battery is good and you have good cables that are properly grounded then 6v should handle the M with no problem. My C turned over slow until I got new battery cables. Now it turns it over like a top. If you want or need to convert it to 12v then Bob M has some written up an excellent procedure to do this. Just my $0.02.

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JOSSETTE

02-24-2005 04:36:10




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 Re: Farmall M generator 12 volt in reply to SproutW, 02-24-2005 03:26:08  
if maintained properly, the 6 volt will be fine. if you want it original--keep it original. if it is going to be for putting around the yard 6 volt will be fine.



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John M

02-24-2005 04:29:23




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 Re: Farmall M generator 12 volt in reply to SproutW, 02-24-2005 03:26:08  
I do that to all of my tractors,but I have my generators rewound for 12 volt,cheaper than buying a 12 volt,unless you just dont have one.Some say all you have to do is change the regualtor to a 12 volt butI know when I have my gens redone they change the winding inside.Like Bob said you will have to change the light bulbs and put in a resistor tothe coil,or like I do get a 12 volt coil with a built in resistor and that way you dont have some more wiring to do.A bit more expensive than a regular coil,but worth it to me.

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Bob M

02-24-2005 04:00:04




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 Re: Farmall M generator 12 volt in reply to SproutW, 02-24-2005 03:26:08  
Your plan will make for a nice 12 volt conversion!

In addition to the battery and regulator, if you M has distributor ignition you’ll need to add a ballast resistor in series between the ignition switch and the coil + terminal. Also if it has lights they will need to be changed too.

Also don't forget to polarize the new generator before the first start.

All the other electrical stuff (wiring harness, ammeter, light switch, etc) will work fine on 12 volts. And the existing starter will work fine on 12 volts too – you’ll find it’ll now spin the motor pretty smartly! Just don’t let it crank more than about 15 seconds without giving it a couple minutes to cool down.

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