Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
recently bought an 8N that has been converted to 12 volts, but has no battery. What size battery do I need and is the system still a positive ground after being converted?
- Thread starter Anonymous-0
- Start date
wwildhorse2k
Member
BCI Group # 1 (9 1/8"L,7 1/8"W, 9 3/8"H) for 6Volt
There are 12v batteries that have similar dimensions.
FOR 12VOLT conversions YOU MUST HAVE NEGATIVE GROUND !!!!
There are 12v batteries that have similar dimensions.
FOR 12VOLT conversions YOU MUST HAVE NEGATIVE GROUND !!!!
Bruce (VA)
Well-known Member
It depends......
Does the tractor have a generator or an alternator?
If it's an alternator, chances are 99 out of 100 it's negative ground. W/ a generator, it's probably negative ground, but don't take any chances. Hook the battery up negative ground & polarize the generator (see tip # 23) BEFORE you start the engine.
Plenty of folks have 12v systems around here & can tell you the battery they use. All of mine are 6v. The 6v battery is Group 1 & it's 8" high & 7"x9".
Lastly.....is it a front or side distributor? If it's a front distributor & 12v, it will need a resistor in the ignition circuit. If it's a side distributor.....it might!
50 Tips
Does the tractor have a generator or an alternator?
If it's an alternator, chances are 99 out of 100 it's negative ground. W/ a generator, it's probably negative ground, but don't take any chances. Hook the battery up negative ground & polarize the generator (see tip # 23) BEFORE you start the engine.
Plenty of folks have 12v systems around here & can tell you the battery they use. All of mine are 6v. The 6v battery is Group 1 & it's 8" high & 7"x9".
Lastly.....is it a front or side distributor? If it's a front distributor & 12v, it will need a resistor in the ignition circuit. If it's a side distributor.....it might!
50 Tips
Bruce (VA)
Well-known Member
" FOR 12VOLT conversions YOU MUST HAVE NEGATIVE GROUND !!!! "
No, it's not mandatory. Check out my post above.
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No, it's not mandatory. Check out my post above.
Untitled URL Link
Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
Thanks for the help guys.....I didn't mean to start a ground war...Ha Ha
Sarge.......most 12v alternators DEMAND negative (-) ground ...or... you will let the smoke out. Recommended 12v battery size is either size 22 or 35.
Surprizingly enuff, the N-Ford MPC (master parts catalog) lists the N's battery as 13-plate. Does NOT list either size (1A) or volts (6v). Yes, the 6-volt N-Tractor came from the factory positive (+) ground. Many are clumsily erroneously installed by shadetree mechanics as negative ground 'cuz thats all they've ever seen in their BelchFire-V8 or rice-rocket. And iff'n polarized correctly, yer 6-volt genny can be either positive (+) or negative (-) ground. But NOT the solid state 12v alternator. Isn't that amazing??? ......Dell
Surprizingly enuff, the N-Ford MPC (master parts catalog) lists the N's battery as 13-plate. Does NOT list either size (1A) or volts (6v). Yes, the 6-volt N-Tractor came from the factory positive (+) ground. Many are clumsily erroneously installed by shadetree mechanics as negative ground 'cuz thats all they've ever seen in their BelchFire-V8 or rice-rocket. And iff'n polarized correctly, yer 6-volt genny can be either positive (+) or negative (-) ground. But NOT the solid state 12v alternator. Isn't that amazing??? ......Dell
old
Well-known Member
- Location
- Camdenton Missouri
Sorry but you are not 100% correct as to the - grond on an alternator just go and buy a Lucas which is made for say a Jag or an Austin and it will be a + ground alternator ya not common but if it is a Brit made alternator it will be + ground not - ground
Bruce (VA)
Well-known Member
Ground war? Around here, this doesn't even qualify as random H&I fire! 
When you have the time it would be a good idea to post some pictures of your new 8N showing the 12 volt alternator/generator and the distributor. These old tractors are easy to convert but also the conversion is easy to screw up. There are plenty of guys on here that can help you get it right if you give them enough information. Hook it up wrong and it may not even start or you may not be able to shut it off or burn up some expensive equipment.
old
Well-known Member
- Location
- Camdenton Missouri
Ya I know at some point in time they did change that for American imports. But back years ago I had a 1969 Austin America that was = ground and that gave me fits when it came time to find a radio for it
Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
Dell is 100% correct. The 22NF is the one that will fit.
Greybeard - PA
Member
Today new alternators can be had in either six or twelve volt configuration, AND in positive or negative proclavity. Now, as to WHY anyone in the whole wide world would ever want a six volt positive alternator is beyond my boyish dreams . . . go figure.
Google 5th. Aenue Garage for more of the same.
By the bye, be aware if you ever contemplate purchase of the same, that many - nay, MOST - six volt alternators offered have been throttled by aftermarket IC regulators down to half output. Yup, they're six volts, but they also have only half their original twelve volt output. Only one or two companies actually wind stators for six volt alternators. JMHO
Google 5th. Aenue Garage for more of the same.
By the bye, be aware if you ever contemplate purchase of the same, that many - nay, MOST - six volt alternators offered have been throttled by aftermarket IC regulators down to half output. Yup, they're six volts, but they also have only half their original twelve volt output. Only one or two companies actually wind stators for six volt alternators. JMHO
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