1952 Farmall H 6-volt issues - New to me Tractor.

Picked up a 1952 H with a Heisler 9 speed a couple of weeks ago. Finally cooled off enough here in Missouri to hop in the seat but wouldn't start as starter would barely turn it over. It has the M&W Power Pistons in the engine but that is the only engine upgrade it has st least that is what I was told. Put on the charger and battery was at 50% with 6.1 volts. Not a very charged battery. Comes to mind quickly, how old of battery, charged up last evening to 100% and 6.9 volts, ignition wires are not copper but something like on automobiles, the battery cables are size 1 cable with soldered terminals. From prior discussions on this forum I know I will need to up the gage of the cables to 0 or 00 but don't recall how large is necessary. I will also replace the spark plug wires with copper. Will look into the battery issue again later today or tomorrow and try and determine how old it might be but it certainly looks very good from appearance.
The last H I had was a hopped up sleeper which was being set up as a puller before I rescued it. It had far too much compression for 6 volt to ever get it started so I had to do the 12 volt conversion but I just don't want to do it to this one. This is a beautifully restored tractor in better then new condition and I want to keep it original as best I can but I also don't like troublesome starting ones either. I am also going through the grounds making sure they are clean and bright as restorations with parts painted off the tractor leads to lots of paint in the ground path which I'm finding as well. The current ground is on the clutch housing on the left side opposite the starter so I can probably do something there as well. Your suggestions and comments are very welcome on making this work with 6 volt. Thanks for any and all comments to resolve this starting issue, Hal.

Seems like unless you use 'em every day, those 6V batteries have kind of a short shelf-life.

I'm betting ya just need a battery.

Allan

Does anyone know or had dealings with someone where you can purchase ready made factory type and quality battery cables for Farmall tractors like Brillman, Pooch Electric, etc. for original 6 volt systems, Hal.

Hal - A healthy 6 volt system should spin your "hopped up" compression H without difficulty. A few suggestions:

- Swap the battery cables for 00 with soldered terminals. Keep the cable runs as direct (short) as possible.

- Use the highest CCA rated 6 volt battery you can find that will fit the box (I recall it's a "group 1" size)

- Have a reputable starter/alternator shop go thru the starter. A freshened commutator, new brushes and bushing lube will bring the old starter back to life.

- Replace the starter switch - even if the old one looks OK.

Obviously also make sure the generator/regulator is working properly to keep the battery charged.

----

Good luck - sounds like you've got yourself a nice tractor!

...Bob M

Thanks Bob, Nice to see you on the forum as I always appreciate your comments. Some of this has already been taken care of as I have the receipts, like the starter and generator have been rebuilt. I'll do the starter switch as I'll have the cables off when replacing them anyway. Going to order some copper spark plug wires and probably do the Auto-Lite plugs like I use in all my Farmalls as it currently has Champions which I've had problems with in the past.

Would be nice to see you in Albert Lea next year at the RPRU but probably too far from home. Sure do miss Hugh and I'm sure you treasure meeting him that time. Take care and thanks for the reply, Hal.

Thanks Allen for taking the time away from your busy farm life to support this thread. I most likely will be replacing the battery with something I have known history with as I don't have any receipt from the previous owner who restored the tractor for a battery purchase. Thanks and hope all is going well out on prairie, Hal.

One thing I learned from 6 volt cars is to make sure you have really good clean connections.

I drove a 1950 Studebaker Champion for a couple of weeks and it had pretty dim headlights. Took all the connections loose, cleaned them up and rubbed a little dielectric grease on them to keep them clean. Difference was like night and day :wink: .

Good luck.

Look for some old welding cables and make your own cables no longer than necessary as suggested with soldered lugs. Hal

Look for some old welding cables and make your own cables no longer than necessary as suggested with soldered lugs. Hal

I get my 1 ga from Car Quest. A car re-do show says get the cables made for starters as the wires are thicker than those used for welding he said not to use welding cable. That waws his advise makes sense.

Coul be your battery but before restoration we wouldn't use our H for 5 or 6 months and go out to the barn and it would fire right up. good ol tractors

Hal - I too miss Hugh and his lovely wife Marg.

Unfortunately we'll probably not be at the 2011 RPRU. Caring for elderly parents, also expecting a couple more grandkids late this winter will have us staying close to home for a while.

Bob