12 Volt conversion on 8N

I have a 1950 8N that has been converted to a 9 volt system. Having problems with it starting but have replaced the switch, battery, etc. I was told that the battery cables have to be crossed over making positive a negative and a negative to positive. Is this true??? I am not getting fire from the switch. Any ideas???

uh Karl???.........what 9-volt system???
yer 8N came from the factory 6-volts positive (+) ground generator. 12V alternator conversions require NEGATIVE (-) ground. (ittza solid state transistor thingy) That means the 12V battery MINUS (-) post is connected to the tractor battery tray for ground. You don't haffta cross enny wires. Just twist yer 12V battery around. Simple, eh?

You do realize yer 1950 8N could have the weird 4-nipple 1-terminal squarecan ignition coil ...or... the more modern 5-nipple roundcan sparkie coil. I flunked mind reading, just ask my ex-wife, so I have NO knowledge which type of dizzy yer 8N has.

As fer not gittin' "fire" from the switch. What switch??? ........respectfully, Dell; a 12V advocate for the right reasons, who knows 8-ways to convert to 12V and they all work the first time

That tractor is going to be a costant source of frustration & a money pit unless you have a basic understanding of it's operation. (see tip # 39)

" I have a 1950 8N that has been converted to a 9 volt system. "

No it isn't a 9 volt system.

You have an 8 volt battery or a 12 volt battery. It's not 9v.

" I was told that the battery cables have to be crossed over making positive a negative and a negative to positive."

If it is a 12 volt conversion with an alternator, you won't do that trick but once because it will burn up your alternator.

" I am not getting fire from the switch."

Which switch? The tractor should have at least 2: an ignition switch and a starter switch.

" Any ideas??? "

Yes.

You need to post back w/ a lot more information.

We can be more helpful if you would give us a little more info about your tractor.

Troubleshooting is different depending on the model of the tractor, voltage, ignition system & distributor placement & the absence of OEM parts.

When you ask a question, it’s always important to tell us:

1. The model of your tractor (2N, 9N, 8N, NAA, etc).

2. If it is 6v or 12v. (or 8v)

3. If it’s an N, if the distributor is on the front or side of the engine.

4. If it has a generator or alternator.

And BTW, the charging system has nothing to do w/ the tractor not starting. And neither does the battery polarity.
50 Tips

Well maybe he has a 9 volt battery. Like the one in my garage opener! I don't think it would start with that either.

Good one!

i wonder if he's reading an 8.4 nominal volt 8v battery and thoinking 9 due to an anaolg volt meter.

or if he's got a 12ver and just fat fingered it.

oh well.. should be interesting either way..

it could be the very rare Ford 7N 9V that has only been rumoured to exsist...
could he have the only one of its kind??
LOL
ok its been a long day...