6 volt generator conversion on MF35 to 12volt

hunterjoe37 · Mar 11, 2016

Has anyone ever converted a 6 volt generator over to 12 volt by just installing a 12 volt regulator. I was told this would work.

If so, I am also changing over to negative ground instead of positive ground. What will need to be done there, if anything?

Am also looking at going to a one wire gm alternator. Just exploring options and wasn't sure what would work and what would be the most economical.

Thanks

rrlund · Mar 11, 2016

A 12 volt generator will bolt right up to the same bracket as the 6 volt,and the wiring will be the same to the 12v gen and reg as the 6v. I've changed 2 Olivers that way. A lot of the later gen equipped tractors were 12v,most all the diesels were,right from the early days,so finding one shouldn't even be an issue.

oldtanker · Mar 11, 2016

(quoted from post at 10:33:38 03/11/16) Has anyone ever converted a 6 volt generator over to 12 volt by just installing a 12 volt regulator. I was told this would work.

If so, I am also changing over to negative ground instead of positive ground. What will need to be done there, if anything?

Am also looking at going to a one wire gm alternator. Just exploring options and wasn't sure what would work and what would be the most economical.

Thanks

To my understanding the generator has to be 12 volt to put out 12 volt and last.

One wire conversions are pretty easy. I myself prefer the 3 wire conversions because you may have to rev the engine up to get the one wire to start charging. One and 3 wire GM alternators are much more reliable and trouble free than an generator.

If it's a daily driver so to speak 12 volt alt will be cheaper in the long run.

Rick

Bob Bancroft · Mar 11, 2016

No. A 6 volt gen. will put out more than the nominal 6V. But not enough to maintain a 12V battery. You need a 12V gen., or alternator.

David G · Mar 11, 2016

It might generate enough at high RPM's, but much easier and more reliable to change to alternator.

Steve@Advance · Mar 11, 2016

Are you sure it's not already 12v negative ground? MF35's were all 12v, negative ground to my knowledge.

A 6v generator will struggle to maintain 12 volts. Generators are not polarity sensitive, but need to be
polarized when installed. Some regulators are polarity sensitive. The new aftermarket regulators are usually
short lived and troublesome.

There are alternators with a tach drive if you want to keep the tach working, they just cost a more.

If you are looking for dependability, the alternator conversion is the best choice.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 11, 2016

I've worked on two MF 35 and MF 50, Both were 12 v negative ground with tech driver on generator. So it should not be hard to get parts to convert.

hunterjoe37 · Mar 11, 2016

Thanks guys! That answers my questions.

John T · Mar 11, 2016

Good questions hunter, here are my answers:

QUESTION

"Has anyone ever converted a 6 volt generator over to 12 volt by just installing a 12 volt regulator."

YES INDEED, I HAVE AND IT WORKED OKAY

The reason is a genny doesn't necessarily know its output voltage, IT INCREASES IF YOU TURN IT FASTER OR INCRESE THE MAGNETIC FIELD STRENGTH BY PASSING MORE CURRENT THROUGH ITS FIELD COILS.

The units I converted didn't charge at any super high rate, but they worked fine and never developed any problems.

NOTE HOWEVER the field coils in a 6 volt genny are rated for x number of amps and its possible depending on battery condition and RPM and Voltage Regulator specs if worked hard under heavy loads you might in theory possibly overheat the field coils, although I never had such a problem BUT THATS WHY ITS ENGINEERING WISE BETTER TO HAVE A GENNY SHOP CHANGE OUT THE FIELD COILS FOR A PROPER CONVERSION

"I was told this would work"

It will indeed "work" Ive done it and the reason why it will work are above

HOWEVER DONT ANYONE HAVE A CALF IM NOT SAYING ITS BEST OR ENGINEERING PROPER OR WILL CHARGE AT A SUPER HIGH RATE IN ONLYYYYYYYYYYYY SAYING IT WILL WORK AND IVE DONE IT AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. To do it right a genny shop would change out the field coils.

John T Retired Electrical Engineer

teddy52food · Mar 11, 2016

Hogwash! I have a C Allis with a magneto that I use either 6 or 12 whatever is available. Works just fine on either. I have a diode in place of the cut-out. It doesn't put out as many amps on 12 but it keeps the battery up even on short stop & start use. That is with an old battery too weak for a big engine.

muleboss · Mar 11, 2016

A generator does not care what the voltage is. It is the regulator that sets the voltage.

hunterjoe37 · Mar 12, 2016

(quoted from post at 15:40:03 03/11/16) Good questions hunter, here are my answers:

QUESTION

"Has anyone ever converted a 6 volt generator over to 12 volt by just installing a 12 volt regulator."

YES INDEED, I HAVE AND IT WORKED OKAY

The reason is a genny doesn't necessarily know its output voltage, IT INCREASES IF YOU TURN IT FASTER OR INCRESE THE MAGNETIC FIELD STRENGTH BY PASSING MORE CURRENT THROUGH ITS FIELD COILS.

The units I converted didn't charge at any super high rate, but they worked fine and never developed any problems.

NOTE HOWEVER the field coils in a 6 volt genny are rated for x number of amps and its possible depending on battery condition and RPM and Voltage Regulator specs if worked hard under heavy loads you might in theory possibly overheat the field coils, although I never had such a problem BUT THATS WHY ITS ENGINEERING WISE BETTER TO HAVE A GENNY SHOP CHANGE OUT THE FIELD COILS FOR A PROPER CONVERSION

"I was told this would work"

It will indeed "work" Ive done it and the reason why it will work are above

HOWEVER DONT ANYONE HAVE A CALF IM NOT SAYING ITS BEST OR ENGINEERING PROPER OR WILL CHARGE AT A SUPER HIGH RATE IN ONLYYYYYYYYYYYY SAYING IT WILL WORK AND IVE DONE IT AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. To do it right a genny shop would change out the field coils.
Quote

Ok then, so it has been done successfully! Might give it a shot!!

And recommendations on changing the gen/tractor on over to positive ground???? Thanks to all for the replies, Joe!

hunterjoe37 · Mar 12, 2016

Correction on last post!!!

How to change it from positive to negative ground!!!

6 volt generator conversion on MF35 to 12volt

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