Should I convert my 400 to 12v?

Evan From IA · Jul 24, 2012

My 400 is set up for 6 volt, but the old battery is dead and the tractor hasn't been started in 4 years. Should I buy a new $100 6v battery, or should I buy the necessary parts to convert to 12v? I've heard that 12v is better but I don't know the facts behind that. I'll probably use this tractor in some tractor pulls and light farm work(if that helps pick the system that's better for me). What parts will I need and where do I find them if do convert to 12v? I'd rather just keep the 6v system but if there are reasons that 12v is better please let me know. Thanks, Evan

Nebraska Cowman · Jul 24, 2012

I'd convert it Evan. 6 volt was marginal at best and somebody will tell you to keep it original but 12 will sure make it easier to start. If you put on a 12 volt regulator you should be able to get the generator to put out enough voltage, otherwise either find a 12 volt generator or switch to an alternator. If you go to negative ground make sure the hot wire from the switch hooks to the positive side of the coil and the neg side goes to the distributor and add a resister between the switch and the coil. And of course you will have to change your light bulbs. The starter will be fine.

IH fan · Jul 24, 2012

(quoted from post at 14:25:02 07/24/12) I'd convert it Evan. ----- The starter will be fine.

Agree with Cowman except for the starter will be fine.... not nessesarily.
My 240U has been swithed to 12v and I had problems with the starter spinning too fast before the drive engaged the starter ring. This caused , over time, for the ring and starter drive to wear and eventually not engage, but grind several times before grabbing. My auto electric guy changed the field coils in the starter to 12V and now I can't believe how much difference it made. Complete rebuild plus new 12v coils was a little over $150 and well worth it.

old · Jul 24, 2012

A lot depends on what your going to do with it. If you plan to run it 12 months out of the year then yes switch is so you know it will be more likely to start in the dead of winter. If your going to turn it into a show tractor leave it as is. If the engine is getting old and low on compression yes 12 volts will help it start better. Most of the tractor I run across end up getting switched out due to the fact any more it is cheaper in the long run to do a 12 volt system over the 6 volt system and they are a tad bit more dependable on 12 volts as for starting when you want them to

Super-H-Mike · Jul 24, 2012

I have some of both, 6 and 12. I preffer the 12 for winter starting and it isnt too bad of a job to convert. For the uses you stated though,the 6 outta be just fine IMO.

charlieu · Jul 24, 2012

I sell a conversion kit complete with alternator, mounting bracket, tightener, resistor for ignition coil and mounting bolts. The kit makes it easy, and you will find that your 400 will be much more user friendly. You will have a 12 volt system, neg ground, just like other modern equipment. Much easier to hook up battery chargers and jumper cables. My e-mail is open. Charlie

Harold H · Jul 24, 2012

The six volt will work fine, but, the twelve volt is more convient; light bulbs, jumping, battey availability, etc. It is your choice. Noticing the picture, it will steer much better if you move the front wheels in.

Harold H

Super-H-Mike · Jul 24, 2012

Yeah ! Had an M spread out like that once and it was very tough steering ! Probably dont even need those mud scrapers with it like that huh? lol

rustred · Jul 24, 2012

on the 400"s is when the switch over to 12v took place , so can have either one. but dont agree on 6v starter being fine with 12v. its hard on ringgear and bendix by engaging too hard. my 400 spins over good with 6v.there is usually other issues that cause 6v too give problems. dont forget early years everthing was 6v including vehicles and people made it to town for groceries.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 24, 2012

I would leave it 6. I ran 6 volt on H's M's and supers for years without any problems, summer and winter to -10. Just keep the electrical components in good shape and should not be a problem.

mkirsch · Jul 24, 2012

12V conversion is fairly simple. Replace the generator and regulator with a $30 alternator from a 1970's Chevy truck. Some simple rewiring, new battery, new light bulbs, a ballast resistor to the coil, and you're done!

IAtractorKid · Jul 24, 2012

I always look at it from a cost standpoint. Typically when i buy a tractor, it requires a new battery and wiring anyway so that is a wash. However there is a significant cost difference between a new generator and a new alternator. If the generator is still good, i leave it on there otherwise it gets converted because the alternator is cheaper. 4 of my tractors are 12v and two are still 6v. 6v works just fine, even if you have bad winters or the tractor sits alot, as long as you have a good battery and good battery cables. With 6v you need big cables!!! I use double-ought.

CNKS · Jul 24, 2012

If you have the tractor inside and have electricity, spend about $25 at Walmart and get a battery maintainer. You won't be able to tell the difference between 6 and 12 volts. My Super M is under restoration, had 6 volt when I bought it, it will stay that way.

Evan From IA · Jul 24, 2012

I think I'm going to leave it 6v. All your comments were very helpful and there are many good reasons of why I should convert it. I'm going to try and get the tractor to run and if that 6 volt generator is bad I'll convert it. That 6v system has been on that 400 for 57 years and no one ever complained of it being hard to start, so I'll leave it 6v for now. Thank you all for your comments

scotc · Jul 24, 2012

Pull a battery out of a truck and drop in it to test your charging system. Once started if it's putting out over 13.2 V, get a ballast resistor for an 80 Dodge V8 truck, stick it between the switch and coil, and you're set.

That's how I did my SM, could be why I replaced 6v batteries yearly and regulators every other year when it got used every day.

randy hall · Jul 24, 2012

absolutely change to twelve volts.

rhtx55 · Jul 24, 2012

If you plan on pulling much, 12 volt is the answer, because I'm sure the engine overhaul will provide a few more internal ponies and the amps provided by a 12 volt system will come in handy for starting & the coil will provide much better spark. The lights will also be a bit brighter.
You can certainly tune one to start easy and a 6 volt will work just fine, but at pulls you are lucky if it starts after getting hot and sitting between weight classes, you find yourself praying the battery charges enough in time.
There are advantages & dis-advantages to both, so I beleive after hearing so many stories from ' The best thing I have ever done" to
" Didn't make much difference" I think it boils down to personal preference.
Twelve volt starters & generators are much harder to find but if you prefer to keep it original looking they are certainly out there, they will also probably need to be rebuilt. The bulbs, wiring, voltage regulators & coils are prevalent. So I would say it's up to you, if you decide to go 12 you have many options, if you stay with six, the wiring will need updating, along with rebuilding what you have on hand.

GordoSD · Jul 24, 2012

Didn"t the number series IH tractors switch to 12 volt in July or so of 57?

Dean Olson · Jul 24, 2012

6v systems are obsolete for a reason. They are inherently inferior. I convert all mine to 12v with alternator and have "0" issues.

Convert the starter so it doesn't hit so hard. Buy a 12v battery, a coil that doesn't need an external resistor,some 12v bulbs, and an alternator. All can be had for around $2-250 and a couple hours labor.

Stuart · Jul 24, 2012

You have never farmed with 6 volt in the winter. lol

pete 23 · Jul 24, 2012

If you worked on as many 400 & 450's with 6 volt systems as I have you would put it on 12 volts in a minute. They wouldn't start coming right off the train when they were new. IH didn't help matters by using aluminum cables some times and that long cable has a lot of voltage drop even when new. Then throw in the dumb place they put the ground cable. The problem isn't getting them started when it is cold, it when the engine is warmed up good. Then things are sealed up good and it is really difficult to turn them over. I go for the 12 volt starter as well as staying with the 6 volt on them slams that ring gear really hard. The 450 is when they changed to 12 volt in middle of production and they still were positive ground in case any one is wondering.

CNKS · Jul 24, 2012

I do very little in the winter, but kept inside with the battery maintainer it will start. If I did farm, perhaps I would change my mind. This particular tractor will remain original. Next tractor I "restore" is a 350 with 12 volts and an alternator (I think it was originally 6, not sure)--that will remain 12 volts. I sold a 12 volt M several months ago. That one was usually hard to start, particularly in the winter, primarily because it did not get much use. Also I did not have battery maintainers at the time -- So, I have gone both ways. Maintenance means more than voltage, though. I currently have 5 six volt tractors with no intention of changing them.

DRCA · Jul 24, 2012

if you do a clean install (keep alt/gen away from hood sides) your battery is under the seat sooo most guys won't know you've switched to 12v and those that do notice will understand why

oldtanker · Jul 25, 2012

I converted my M to 12 2 years ago. A tractor that wouldn't start when needed at -10 now starts at -25 with no problem. For anyone considering a conversion......

1. Make sure the ignition system is in top shape before doing anything.

2. Make sure the carb and fuel flow is working right.

3. Check compression!!!!!

4. Repair any and all problems before doing a conversion! Even if that means an engine rebuild! If you don't all 12 volt is is a bandaid masking another problem.

Then once everything that can affect starting is problem free decide if 12 volt is what you really want.

Reason to stay 6 Volt....keeping a tractor original because it's a tractor that has been in the family for years or a show tractor.

Reasons for converting.....better starting in all weather conditions. Compatibility when jump starting may be needed (my wife would never try to bump the post on the starter when jumping from 12 to 6....it sparks), Cheaper batteries!!!!! The fact that 6 volt chargers are getting harder to find and more expensive. I have purchased 2 chargers in the last couple of months. One for my boat batts (12 volt only)and a large charger with 200 amp boost to replace one that died. Old big charger was both 6 and 12 volt. New 250 dollar charger is 12 only. Hand writing is on the wall for working tractors.....12 volt unless you have extra money to spend! Last good quality 6 volt batt I purchased was $90. Last good 12 volt was 60.

Rick

Should I convert my 400 to 12v?

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