I have an old M rebuilt 20 years ago by a FFA class in Illinois. Great tractor and runs like a gem but these cold winter nights and days make starting it a bear! I want to convert to a 12 volt system and dont know where to start or what I need to change. Want an education here

Also I have some trouble with the carb. I had to rebuild it last year cuz father in law sold it to me after it sat for 3 years. It ran fine when I put it away but some gas ran out of the carb. Now it pours out and cant get it started. Took it apart again and still spills out. Talked with one guy who said I probably have a pin hole in the float which is allowing more fuel. Any ideas?

You can switch to a 12volt system pretty easy just have the generator rebuilt to 12volts (and 12v regulator) or put an alternator on it. Then youll have to chance the bulbs to 12volt if you have lights. Final thing youll have to do is add a 3 buck resistor to the coil if it has a distributor, if it has a mag then no need to add one. Your looking at about spending 250 or so going that route with a new battery. Personally if it was me and your current generator is working properly then i would stay with the 6volt system. Make sure you have a good battery and have heavy 00 gauge cables. Also make sure that the starter is good and not getting tired. A 6volt system on a M is fine as long as you have all good connections with a good battery and the right cables.

As for the carb, youll need to take it apart and put in a new seat and needle on the float. Make sure the float level is set correct and that will take care of that most likely. When you have it apart put the float in a bowl of water to see if any bubbles come up with it under the surface. They are "generally" ok and do not normally rot out. I would look at that seat and needle.

Andrew

Read the link below. Some people use a mid 80s Hitachi alternator used on Nisssan trucks (NAPA# 2138130) because it's smaller and fits under the hood better. Wires the same way. I converted a IH 240 Utility and have had no problems the last four years. David.........................

http://www.ytmag.com/articles/artint131.htm

thank you for the info

I would leave it a 6 volt system. After all it worked this long. What I did on my 1950 H was run the ground cable from the battery directly to the starter mounting bolts. I think that rust gets into the joint where the engine and transmission meet, therefore causing it not to get a good ground. Use a good 6 volt grouding wire. Hope this helps

"After all it worked this long..."

I think that point could be debated.

12V can mask a lot of issues, like a worn starter and cruddy cables.

Converting to 12V requires a couple of skills that not everyone has, so before you take the plunge it may not hurt to try a few simple, inexpensive things to improve the existing 6V system...

1. Replace the battery cables with 2/0 gauge welding cable or commercial truck battery cable if they haven't been already. Crimped and soldered ends. You can get them made up at a commercial truck shop.
2. Clean all connections down to bare shiny metal.
3. Replace the starter button.
4. Get the starter rebuilt if it hasn't been already.

Doing a good install of a Delco 10SI in an M requres fabrication skill. Some people will tell you that it's as simple as flipping the existing bracket over and using some threaded rod. It isn't. Either you need to make your own bracket or you need to buy the brackets from the guy in Red Power magazine.

Wiring is also a required skill. Many people look at a simple schematic and go cross-eyed.

(quoted from post at 17:36:54 02/15/10) I would leave it a 6 volt system. After all it worked this long. What I did on my 1950 H was run the ground cable from the battery directly to the starter mounting bolts. I think that rust gets into the joint where the engine and transmission meet, therefore causing it not to get a good ground. Use a good 6 volt grouding wire. Hope this helps

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Long cables, especially ground cables, on a 6v system are not a good idea. Even if they are clean they invite a lot of resistance build up. mike

I have a farmall h,ac wd and a ac ca that I put 8 volt batteries in and they work fine. As long as they charge at least 9 volts it will be ok.

Thanks. I've re wired a few tractors and consider myself to be a good fabricator. But I'm gonna clean up the system and might throw in an 8 volt and see how things go.

Thanks agian