4020 24v vs 12v

steve-in-ga · Jun 3, 2017

I've read several posts on here about converting from 24 to 12 volt system on a 4020 diesel. I'm not well versed in this area. What are the advantages? Does anyone have any directions with part numbers to use that a lay person like me could follow to make this converaion.

Thanks for any and all help

Tx Jim · Jun 3, 2017

Advantages are 12 volt system is easier for most people to understand and battery drain isn't as prominent. Also 12 volt is simpler to jump start if required. Sorry I don't have any part numbers. Attach blue & brown wires at starter to top post on solenoid.

16-30 oilpull · Jun 3, 2017

do it you will love it. I was constantly charging the batteries on my 4020 with 24v.(using 2 chargers)Since converting 6 or so years ago I only charge if the batteries are going bad. Alternator is a much better charger as long as your not concerned with keeping it original. JD dealer or someone in JD magazines should have a kit with instructions. my stuff came from JD

Tx Jim · Jun 4, 2017

A 24 V to 12 V conversion kit is available from this site(YT) for $380.88.

tim s · Jun 4, 2017

Don't buy the kits...it is a simple job..buy an Iskra starter a Delco 10 SI self exciting alternator (at any auto parts store)a starter solenoid 2 15" ground cables and if you want the fuel gauge to work a negative ground gauge,, I will list the stuff and help you through it on here so others can share it when your ready..

John T · Jun 4, 2017

The thing is if a person understands them and has the know how to maintain and troubleshoot them they are okay HOWEVER UNFORTUNATLEY most don't lol in which case a conversion greatly simplifies things. With a suitable 12 volt starter and alternator and not too difficult re wiring, since lights etc are already 12 volt anyway, its certainly affordable and do-able...

John T

David G · Jun 4, 2017

With no disrespect intended, I would not buy a kit.

The existing bracket will work with minor modifications.

A 3 wire alternator will allow for using the existing charge light, kits have 1 wire alternators.

The kits have the Delco starter, which does not crank near as well as the Japanese gear reduction starters.

tim s · Jun 4, 2017

I understand them John,,,that is why I do away with them ;^)

tim s · Jun 4, 2017

You can still make the light work with a one wire alternator David. And Delco starters are not very good, the Nippendenso is best, the Iskra works very well, and the gear reduction starters don't fit on the older 4020's.....Just saying...

rvirgil_KS · Jun 4, 2017

How do you make the charge indicator light work with a one wire alternator?

John T · Jun 4, 2017

No problem with that. I also understood them (being an electrical engineer gave me a distinct advantage) and being both a used tractor dealer plus a farmer who used them I was able to maintain them and had no problem with them BUT TO EACH THEIR OWN FOR SURE....... I have to agree the 12 volt system is easier for lay persons to understand and maintain.

Best wishes, good chatting with you

John T

tim s · Jun 4, 2017

Pull the plug out on the side and use the correct terminal, all the ones I have used have that option,,they are just capped off...

David G · Jun 4, 2017

Yes, meant to say foreign starter, put a nippondenso on the 4020 here, would probably use an Isky next time.

tim s · Jun 4, 2017

The Nipp's are the best, back when the new Gen 30's were being built they would run both Nipp's and Delco's which ever pallet full came to the line at that moment..the Nipps would last 3 times as long as a Delco..the Iskra's are a good small cheaper starter that works well and keeps the cost of a conversion down, I use a lot of them and have not had any failures yet,,but it don't get as cold here as other places,,that can sort a good starter out..

rvirgil_KS · Jun 4, 2017

Connect the indicator lamp to #1 pin on the plug. Why not get a less costly 3 wire alternator to start with?

tim s · Jun 4, 2017

They are about the same money around here..

erskine2017 · Jun 4, 2017

Call Green Magazine and order the back issues of my 24Volt articles. Cost is S5.00 per issue. You will feel rather foolish spending a bunch of money if only minor problems such as starter dust, generator brushes or bad connections are all that plague your present system! Deere used the 24 Volt System for 11 years.

Tx Jim · Jun 4, 2017

(quoted from post at 14:59:23 06/04/17) Call Green Magazine and order the back issues of my 24Volt articles. Cost is S5.00 per issue. You will feel rather foolish spending a bunch of money if only minor problems such as starter dust, generator brushes or bad connections are all that plague your present system! Deere used the 24 Volt System for 11 years.

IMHO steve-in-ga would get better use of that $55 for 12 volt conversion parts than your 24 volt articles. JD utilized 6 volt batteries longer than they utilized 24 volt system but I sure don't want to change any of my tractors over to a 6 volt system.

John T · Jun 4, 2017

Is that you Tom 43 aka Barack aka I forget your other names ??? Welcome back.

John T

erskine2017 · Jun 4, 2017

The 24 volt articles are 5 dollars and not 55. The $ sign made the 5 look like 55. Your criticism would be more credible if you had actually read the articles. Furthermore Deere has not used a 6 volt system on Waterloo built tractors since 1952. They used six volt batteries but in series to make a 12 volt system. In spite of your aversion to the 24 volt system, I am an avid reader of your posts.

steve-in-ga · Jun 4, 2017

Thanks for everyone's input. I am wanting to convert to 12v. All my other equipment is 12v and I do not have near the headaches starting then up. I've had this early 4020 diesel 9 years mainly for working hay and it seems like I add two batteries every year. I probably do not but it seems that way. I need it to start more reliably and stay charged. That's my main goal.

steve-in-ga · Jun 4, 2017

Thanks Tim

You have helped me many times with the 4020 and I surly do thank you for this.

So the items I need are

1 - iskra starter - what model?
1 - Delco 10 si alternator
1 - starter solenoid - does this attach to the starter?
2- 15" ground cables? What gauge?

Thanks again.

tim s · Jun 4, 2017

Mail me tomorrow

David G · Jun 4, 2017

I also hate the dual batteries, have been thinking of fabricating a single battery case to fit under left floor

Tx Jim · Jun 5, 2017

(quoted from post at 17:39:10 06/04/17) The 24 volt articles are 5 dollars and not 55. In spite of your aversion to the 24 volt system, I am an avid reader of your posts.

Your dollar sign resembles a S not a $ so that's why I thought you stated $55 per article. As far as reading your articles go I attained my knowledge of JD 24 Volt system the hard way with actual "hands on experience" as a JD dealer service manager for 13 yrs BUT I have no aversion to the 24 volt system just understand it's shortcomings.

John T · Jun 5, 2017

I always support a mans right to do what he pleases with HIS tractor lol

If a person has a lot of trouble and just cant keep his 24 volt system working then conversion is a great option. In my case as a dealer and user/farmer and electrical engineer I was able to keep mine working so saw no sense in spending money and all the work to convert. If 24 volt advice is needed Tx Jim and Buick Deere (I attended his 24 volt seminar) are the go to guys and I will also try to help best I can

Best wishes and God Bless

John T

Tx Jim · Jun 5, 2017

John T
Thanks for the compliment BUT there are many other posters including YOU on this site that are as well or better versed on JD 24 volt system than I am.
Jim

SDMike · Jun 5, 2017

Steve, I just did this conversion to my 4010 2 months ago. I used a denso starter from a 7700 combine, alt from salvage yard, went to JD and got a starter relay. Made my own 2/0 cables for the batteries and 8 gauge for the to and from for the starter relay. Re-used the gen bracket, but needs to be altered a little bit. When you do this, MAKE SURE your pulleys line up and that the alt shaft clears the fan blades. Place where I got the starter told me that a new gear reduction starter MAY not fit on a 4010 or early 4020 due to intake manifold clearance. I also found this diagram very helpful.

Mike

steve-in-ga · Jun 5, 2017

(quoted from post at 22:00:07 06/04/17) Mail me tomorrow

Sorry, I do not know how to mail you. thanks.

buickanddeere · Jun 5, 2017

Although being a purist and all that. A four or six cylinder 24V tractor is best converted to 12V . As the typical owner or operator does not have the electrical knowledge to troubleshoot and maintain the finicky 24V system.
A two cylinder in cool or cold weather needs a 24V system to start and better yet the V4 starting engine.

tim s · Jun 5, 2017

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