6 volt or 12 volt Gen

kevin baird · Oct 7, 2009

How can I tell if my generator in a 6 volt or 12 volt?

CNKS · Oct 7, 2009

What tractor--12 volt appeared on the late 450's I believe, and other models were gradually changed. As a short cut if the generator has a black tag it is 6 volt, red tag 12 volt. That is not all inclusive as 6 volt ones can be converted to 12. If it is an A through early 450, it was 6 volts from the factory, with the exception of diesels. And, "most" 12 volt conversions use alternators. Electrical people on this forum will tell you how to test it to be sure.

kevin baird · Oct 7, 2009

if off the Super M. It has a balest resistor reducing the voltage to the points and coil (getting 5.8 volts). Regulator is a three post (no Gen Terminal) All wiring is hand made using the same color wire for all. Was not charging and found the spring failed on one of the brush hold and the brush was not making contact. Replaced the spring and still no charge on the gauge.

John T · Oct 7, 2009

First of all THERE HAS TO BE A GEN/ARM TERMINAL ON A VOLTAGE REGULATOR,,,,,On many 4 terminal (BAT ARM FLD LOAD) VR"s the GEN/ARM is underneath or off on one side all by itself, the 3 together are BAT LOAD & FLD......She cant charge the battery unless the Gennys ARM post is connected to the VR"s ARM/GEN terminal........

I QUESTION IF ITS WIRED RIGHT if you claim no GEN terminal, look underneath the VR or on a side by itself for a GEN/ARM terminal

Many early Delco 6 volt gennys had a black tag while the 12 volt had a red. If on an H Id suspect its 6 volts

My troubleshooting procedure tells how to wire a 3 or 4 terminal VR so get it wired right and POLARIZE THE GENNY n see what happens. Then my procedure tells how to determine if non charge is a Genny or a VR problem

http://www.ytmag.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=farmall&th=665110

John T
John Ts Troubleshooting

Bob M · Oct 7, 2009

The presence of a ballast resistor says someone converted your SM to 12 volts.

The 3 terminal regulator also suggests 12 volts. You might get lucky and find the regulator marked on the underside with voltage and polarity.

Keep in mind the original SM 6 volt regulator had 4 terminals. But 3 terminal, 6 volt regulators exist and when properly wired up will work on a Super M.

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You might try to get a part number off the generator nameplate then try to locate the matching regulator.

6 volt or 12 volt Gen

kevin baird

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CNKS

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kevin baird

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John T

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Bob M

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