Stupid question (maybe)

I've heard it said there are no stupid questions so here goes.

There are generators that we mount voltage regulators onto to provide either 6 or 12 volts.
Years ago my Dad switched his Chevy truck from a 6 volt to an 8 volt battery and "tweaked" the regulator to provide enough charge to keep the 8 volt battery up.

I now own that truck and even though it charges good, I wonder if there are legitimate 8 volt regulators. Didn't find any on a quick internet search.

At the risk of getting into trouble with the real electrical gurus on here-
I don't know the direct answer to your question, but I doubt there is an 8 volt regulator.
Realize that "6" ,"12", "24" volts, etc. is just "nominal.
A 12 volt system might more accurately be called a 14 volt system. They can easily run as high as 15 volts. So maybe more accurately it's a battery designed to hold 12 volts, but is really a 14-15 volt "system".
Likewise it wouldn't be uncommon for your 6 volt generator to be pushing 7.5 volts. So it wouldn't take much to get that to 8 volts.

That used to be common as they sold 8 Volt batteries. I don't know if they are still easy to find or not ? And I think they would just tweek the reg. to boost the voltage.

I never did it. I just use a good battery and bigger cables and get everything up to spec. and they then work fine on 6 v.

What I'd do is switch to a delco 1 wire 12 volt alternator, if the starter is good leave it on the truck. I've had 6 volt starters last for years that I've changed over to 12 volts. You can also use a 70's delco alternator with the voltage regulator inside, I can post a picture of a wiring diagram using the built in regulator I drew for someone with your same problem.

I found some so called and labeled 8 volt volatge regulators, but they were for Model T's I believe. As far as tractors in the 40's and 50's I have only seen 6 or 12 but hey I never really searched for an 8 volt.

HERES THE DEAL A genny dont necessarily know what its voltage is supposed to be, it increased EITHER by turning it faster ORRRRRRR pumping more current through its field windings which increases the magnetic field strength.

I have sucessfully used a 6 volt genny to charge a 12 volt battery simply by changing to a 12 volt VR. NOW Before anyone has a calf (some here tend that way lol) Im NOT saying its engineering correct or perfect or that it charged at a real high rate, Im ONLY saying it worked and never caused a problem.............

NEXT field current control relays inside a VR operate and are regulated by things such as spring tension and/or air gap distance sooooooooooo those can be adjusted to achieve more output. An old fashion genny repair shop has the tools and knowledge and can "tweak" up a VR if needed.

Im NOT a fan of the freak oddball 8 volt system (considered by "some" (NOT all) as sort of a "band aid" fix) although some used it to improve cold weather cranking (which it can) and thats fine with me its their money and their choice... If I was going to convert Id go ahead and use the standard and parts available regular 12 volt system then the oddball 8 volt system.

Yours is a GREAT question, no problem how does one learn if they dont ask, hope my post helps you.

John T

8 volt batteries are still availble, the carquest #is 8v30 some may still use the 8v30dc (dry charged no acid)

We have A JD B that has the factory issue 6v generator. Mechanic put a 12v regulator on it, and we run a 12v battery. Generator keeps the battery charged most of the time, but have to put trickle charger on it occasionally to keep it up. Generator just isn"t quite up to the job.
Not a stupid question. Othre tractors around here have a 12v alternator, and no issues with keeping 12v battery charged.

I used to adjust the 6 volts regulators to about 9.2 volts when using a 8 volt battery. Of course, more voltage pushs more current through field winding so therefore the points had to handle more current and thus higher failure rate. I never cared for the 8 volt fix. Better to upgrade battery capacity and cables etc and stay with the six volts, or switch to 12 which was pretty much unheard of back in the day.

My former boss from the early 80's car dealer
Bought a special battery with a series paralell
Switch mounted on it.

He used it in his 39 caddilac
It cranked the big Flathead over with 12v then ran
The electrical system on 6v.

He was afraid of losing cranking powerkn parades
from all the idling along in gear.