Question for John T

D Sellers · Nov 25, 2012

First off thanks to all you guys who answer so many questions already.I read this forum every day.Just read the 8 volt thread below and have a question for you. I have 5 gas tractors(3 farmall's,2 fords) on my small farm, none are restored, all earn their keep in some manner. I am able right now to go and start all of them. However, sometimes, a battery will get weak and require boosting or swapping out. On those days when the starter seems to be using more battery and spark is weak during cranking, could you hook a small 12v battery up to the dist so that the spark is better for cranking? I think it would have to be isolated from cranking battery, but could swap over to installed battery after a few minutes of charging. This question has been on my mind and i'm sure you can answer and explain. Thanks
D Sellers

Denny ('60 Lo-Boy) · Nov 25, 2012

Just use a "jump box" or booster pack. They're 12 volt but for a quick jolt to start a 6 volt tractor they work well for me. Just make sure you unhook them right away after it starts. If your lights work don't turn them on when the booster is attached. The lights will burn out.

Janicholson · Nov 25, 2012

That would be a good option. A motorcycle battery would sure do the trick. The reason for the Ignition bypass using a (basically) 6v coil on a 12v system and a ballast resistor is to provide that sparky punch.
There are 6v coils (early 50s Ford) that allowed the same idea with 6v systems using a ballast resistor on a 4 volt coil.
If a person used one of those, a 5 amp diode could be used from the starter side of the main starter switch to provide bypass direct voltage, then prevent return voltage to the starter motor when the starter switch was released. Jim

teddy52food · Nov 25, 2012

JIm; I did that to my H. It was 12 volt already so I wired from the starter stud to a diode to the coil. Works good, but fires up with the switch off as long as you hold the starter.

CNKS · Nov 25, 2012

Battery maintainers from Walmart at $22 or so will keep them charged. If your tractors are outside, I don't know if they are waterproof. I have seen waterproof ones for about twice that, might not be practical to run extension cords outside. I have 6 of them, but they are inside.

Question for John T

D Sellers

Member

Denny ('60 Lo-Boy)

Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

teddy52food

Well-known Member

CNKS

Well-known Member

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