changing to 12 volt

Jeremy Kamradt · Jun 1, 2010

I have a 1953 super m that is the original 6 volt system. What changes need to be made to the original generator to switch to 12 volt? Can I put a 12 Volt regulator and battery on and it would work? Whan I bought this tractor it had a 12 volt battery in it and the f terminal on the generator was grounded to provide maximum charge and it worked fine, I realized it was set up this way when I took it apart for restoration.I woulld like to keep it looking original.

John T · Jun 1, 2010

QUESTION: What changes need to be made to the original generator to switch to 12 volt?

I have used a 6 volt genny and made it charge a 12 volt battery simply by using a 12 volt voltage regulator and it worked but didnt charge at any real high rate BUTTTTTTTTTTTT THATS NOTTTTTTTTTTTTT THE ENGINEERING "CORRECT" ANSWER as the fields could possibly overheat????

QUESTION Can I put a 12 Volt regulator and battery on and it would work? SEE THE ABOVE

The best method is to use a 12 volt generator

ORRRRRRR Have a genny shop convert your 6 volt genny to a 12 volt

ORRRRRRRRR use an alternator (most require Neg ground remember which requires the coil leads and ammeter leads be swapped)

As far as the ignition coil you can EITHER keep the existign 6 volt plus add an external series voltage dropping (12 to 6) Ballast resistor or else get a new 12 volt coil no ballast required.

The 6 volt starter can still work at 12 volts but it can be a bit tough on starter drives.

Of course, the lights need changed to 12 volt

John T

Jeremy Kamradt · Jun 1, 2010

John, thank you for you answers, I have converted my m to 12 volt by using an alternator(seems to be the best way) but was just curious about using my existing pieces since they work and look factory. I know you stated it is not "correct" but did you have any trouble by just using a 12v regulator and battery? this tractor has a magneto so I dont have to worry about the ignition side of things. Thank you again for your response

muleboss · Jun 1, 2010

A generator does not care wheather it is 6 volt or 12 volt. The regulator is what makes the difference.

Janicholson · Jun 2, 2010

The issue with the use of a 6v gen in a 12 system is mostly in two places. The first is that the gen field coils will heat more than desired when used in hot summer conditions. The second is the reduced ability to reach high output (for the gen) and its ability to keep up with lights, or repeated start stop operation.
Putting 12v field coils in a 6v gen will usually eliminate both issues. There are 12v alternators built into the case of generators!
Source for Conversion

changing to 12 volt

Jeremy Kamradt

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John T

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Jeremy Kamradt

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muleboss

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Janicholson

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