8 volt battery in an H?

Alan in VA · Mar 20, 2014

I have an H with an original electrical system. What is wrong with using an 8 volt battery instead of a 6 volt? Points not lasting? Light bulbs burning out? Something else? I already have an eight volt that fits perfectly and I sure would like to use it. Thanks for your help.

Baelee05 · Mar 20, 2014

This is kind of a hot button issue with guys on here. People have been using 8 volts in H's and M's for a long time with little or no problems. With that said, an 8 volt will not offer much if any advantage over a properly maintained 6 volt system. If Your electrical system is in top condition, with the proper size cables in good repair, and a good battery, a 6 volt will work fine. Timing is crucial for good starting with a 6 volt system as well. I have an M that has had some pretty fancy head work done and a 6 volt battery won't even faze it. I finally gave up and converted it to 12 volt.

El Toro · Mar 20, 2014

Your 6 volt generator only puts out about 7.25 volts so your battery won't be getting charged. Hal

Alan in VA · Mar 20, 2014

I am not in love with the 8 volt. It is just that I have one that fits and would save me buying a 6 volt.
I would convert to an alternator but I can't find one that will fit under the hood and I haven't found the right size belt for one.

David G · Mar 20, 2014

The hitachi Alternator fits right under the hood, I have one on my H.

Charlie Updike (Charlies repair) sells a nice kit.

You will never regret going 12V.

Alan in VA · Mar 20, 2014

Does Charlie Updike have a website?

Zachary Hoyt · Mar 20, 2014

I had a Delco 10SI on my H, the generator bracket was flipped over so the arms pointed down which gave it enough room.
Zach

gene bender · Mar 20, 2014

I have worked on a couple of tractors with an 8v batt. They didntchange anythingjust keep pos gnd and it will work the 1133 blbls are rated 6-8v so they arent any problems. You mite want to get your starter re-freshed that will help a bunch. New brushes and bushings and it will work great again.

teddy52food · Mar 20, 2014

It will do ok with a cut-out. A regulator will need to be set up for proper charging.

mkirsch · Mar 20, 2014

If your 6 Volt battery in your H is bad, and you've got a good 8 Volt battery sitting around, it sure is a lot cheaper to install the 8 Volt battery and live with the (minor) limitations.

Normally the 8 Volt battery is considered to be like putting a bandaid on a sucking chest wound.

Functionally, it will not cause any damage to your electrical system.

The problem will be in charging it. If your generator isn't charging the 6V battery, it sure as heck won't charge the 8V. It'll start good a couple times but you'll be right back in the same boat after that.

Lars52 · Mar 20, 2014

Baelee05
In response to your post, just what is the proper size cables for the Hs and Ms. I recently had the starter on my H rebuilt, but it still seems to turn over slow, even with a new battery that is fully charged. I have been wondering if the cables are not of the proper gauge. Thanks.

Hugh McKinney · Mar 20, 2014

The only thing you"ll need is have a shop adjust your voltage regulator to limit at 8 volts instead of 6 volts. It is a conversion that is almost to simple to be called a conversion, and one that I did on an Army Jeep as recently as a couple months ago. Never had a regret, and I"ve owned or operated about five or six of these setups, although yes, the light bulbs won"t last quite as long. Go for it. Hugh

Alan in VA · Mar 20, 2014

If I stick with the 8 volt, how do you charge it with a battery charger? Will the six volt or the 12 volt setting work?

charlieu · Mar 20, 2014

The website is www dot charliesrepair dot com

PretendFarmer · Mar 20, 2014

I have never seen an 8 volt charger. Thats the problem with going 8 volt.

IH fan · Mar 20, 2014

(quoted from post at 06:58:41 03/20/14) I have an H with an original electrical system. What is wrong with using an 8 volt battery instead of a 6 volt? Points not lasting? Light bulbs burning out? Something else? I already have an eight volt that fits perfectly and I sure would like to use it. Thanks for your help.

I had a Super 55 Oliver a number of years back. Worked okay with a 6v, but batteries only lasted 2 years at best. Probably because of the tractor sitting un-used a lot. Installed an 8v and it would last 4 to 5 years. Started easier when cold, but battery life was the big difference I found. Did not change a thing other than the battery.

55 50 Ron · Mar 20, 2014

I think his last name is Uthke, not Updike?

I met him at RPRU in Albert Lea a few years ago.

David G · Mar 20, 2014

I would want at least #0 gauge cables on a 6V system, could be #4 on 12V.

AJB-830 · Mar 20, 2014

Maybe 30 years ago my dad ran an 8-volt battery in an H that he used in winter to haul manure. Nothing was changed other than it was set to the low charge rate as it had the cut-out. If I remember, it charged about 8-10 amps on the low rate. Not sure what would happen if your tractor is equipped with a voltage regulator. I still have the same tractor but went back to 6-volts since tractor is no longer used in winter. Al

David G · Mar 20, 2014

You are correct, got the last name confused with Bermuda Ken Updike.

Janicholson · Mar 20, 2014

O or 2-O gauge is recommended on 6v, #2 is OK on 12/ Jim

JDnTN · Mar 20, 2014

I went through the 8 volt deal and the old girl cranked just as slowly. From my view, not worth the extra $$. Let us know if you find something differently.

Oregon Tractor Jack · Mar 20, 2014

8 volt batteries are used quite a bit by old car collectors. Battery Tender makes an 8V battery charger/conditioner. I have one that I use on the 8V battery in my H.

Anonymous-0 · Mar 21, 2014

You dont need a 8v charger the 6 will be ok if the batt needs charging im talking from experience i know where there is a couple of tractors using 8v batts and they have been working for yrs. Back in the 40s lots of 8v batts were used in the old 6v cars so they would start in the winter

mkirsch · Mar 21, 2014

(quoted from post at 09:43:19 03/20/14) If I stick with the 8 volt, how do you charge it with a battery charger? Will the six volt or the 12 volt setting work?

If you've got an older charger the 6V will "mostly" charge the battery. Fancy newer smart chargers will shut off immediately.

The 12V setting will boil off the water.

8 volt battery in an H?

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