6volt to 12 volt

chad from michigan · Apr 7, 2010

I have a 1945 Farmall A with a mag no lights hooked up.
I want to use a 12 volt battery to start it which I know isn't a problem. I have an old 6 volt generator on it from a old chrylser convertable it has a built on hydraulic pump on the generator for the hydraulic top from the car.
that gen/hyd pump runs my electrics and home made hydraulics on the tractor. the generator was putting out about 22-24 amps with amp meter.
what I am wondering how many amps are needed to keep a 12 volt battery charged or will I wreck it if I hook it all up? Do I need to get the genny rewound for 12 volt?
what are your thoughts?
thanks
Chad

John T · Apr 7, 2010

A genny doesnt necessarily know its output voltage, its increased if it turns faster or more current is pumped through its Field windings (kind of what the VR controls). I have used 6 volt gennys to charge a 12 volt battery simply by using a 12 volt Voltage Regulator.

NOWWWWWWWWW before anyone has a calf IM NOTTTTTTTT SAYING THATS ENGINEEERING CORRECT OR PROPER IM ONLYYYYYYYY SAYING IT CAN WORK FOR A TIME.....One problem is if you pump more current through its fields then it was designed for they may overheat !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now the correct answer is get it converted for 12 volts or get a 12 volt genny

Typical charging amps on the old tractor genny systems may be 10 to 20 amps while a modern alternator may charge at 30 to 50 amps. The genny also has to be at a voltage higher then the battery so charging current will flow out of the genny and into the battery you know.....

John T

Jeff Z. · Apr 7, 2010

Im would think the best way to go keeping your 6 volt generator is going with an 8 volt battery.
Alot of people have had good success with the 8 volt battery and a 6 volt generator.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 7, 2010

Take your generator & have it stepped up to 12v. I have had that done on my M & have one setting under theworkbench for my SMTA, just haven't gotten around to putting it on yet. Not that expensive, first one the dhop didn't charge me for, 2nd one was $35 but they had to put some new parts in it. Both were switched to neg. gtound as well

teddy52food · Apr 7, 2010

Why not keep it at 6 volts. 12 may spin it so fast that the impulse on the mag won't catch & it will be firing early which may kick against the starter & break the nose off. Also hard on the starter & ring gears. If you keep it in shape with good heavy cables, it will start in weather too cold to be on it.

chad from michigan · Apr 8, 2010

yes I like 8 volt batterys I really do. I am also a fan of keeping everything original but this is not anymore since it has a generator/hydraulic pump built as one unit.
$60 for an 6 volt battery at TSC and $80 for a 8v. 12 volt I can get for $30 and over time that is a good amount of savings.
It is also cheaper for 12 volt lights if I add them on the tractor.
now if I was restoring this tractor it would be as original as my Cub and my 100. I almost converted the cub because i have a 12 volt system for it but I sold the kit becasue I needed the money.
I also want to do it right becasue I do not want to wreck my genny/hydraulic pump. prety neat set up and was easy to install.

6volt to 12 volt

chad from michigan

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John T

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Jeff Z.

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Anonymous-0

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teddy52food

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chad from michigan

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