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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

12 volt upgrade

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johns 960

04-11-2007 16:55:47




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I would like to know if upgrading from a 6 volt system to a 12 volt system is a smart move, and if so how hard is it and what is the best way to do the job. I am going to be restoring my tractor this summer I have a 1957 960 ford gas (engine).thanks for any info john L




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dan hill

04-16-2007 03:30:46




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to johns 960, 04-11-2007 16:55:47  
I consider it a down grade.



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Farrview

04-12-2007 14:13:18




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to johns 960, 04-11-2007 16:55:47  
Best thing to do is change the system over to 8 volts. Done that on a Farmall H and it never started so easy before. This was recommended by a starter rebuilder as the 8 volt battery will not drive the starter gear as hard into the flywheel causing excessive wear as 12v would.
Voltage regulator is the only thing that needs adjusting.
Good luck,



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Farrview

04-12-2007 13:56:44




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to johns 960, 04-11-2007 16:55:47  
Best thing to do is change the system over to 8 volts. Done that on a Farmall H and it never started so easy before. This was recommended by a starter rebuilder as the 8 volt battery will not drive the starter gear as hard into the flywheel causing excessive wear as 12v would.
Voltage regulator is the only thing that needs adjusting.
Good luck,



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rrlund

04-12-2007 08:01:20




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to johns 960, 04-11-2007 16:55:47  
If it is a restoration,I wouldn't do it. I'll let you in on a little electrical secret that most people don't know. The problem with them starts when people replace the old battery cables with new ones. The 6 volt have to be at least 2.0 guage. When you try to run 6 volts through those new,small 12 volt cables YOU LOOSE 2/3s of your AMPERAGE. I think that would have been a positive ground as well and that's vital as too. If I'm wrong about that,somebody correct me. But,use those big 2.0 cables and leave it original,that's what restoring is.

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Gerald J.

04-12-2007 16:24:28




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to rrlund, 04-12-2007 08:01:20  
That's exactly what John T. and I keep saying. Don't use wimpy battery cables and it will start fine on 6 volts unless the starter needs bearings or brushes or both. I had an 8N once that started poorly but with new brushs and bearings (so the armature didn't rub on the field poles) it started fine.

Gerald J.



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rrlund

04-13-2007 07:13:27




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to Gerald J., 04-12-2007 16:24:28  
Yep,I changed my Oliver 70 back from 12 to 6 after I found out that little bit of wisdom from an old Oliver dealer.



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Oldmax

04-12-2007 05:05:09




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to johns 960, 04-11-2007 16:55:47  
I would change over to 12 volts will make things a lot simpler on cold weather starts . The 6 volt system was nomial at best in good weather almost imposible in bad "Cold" weather . The 6 volt starter will take 12 volts if you don't grind it too long . If tractor doesn't start with in a few seconds fix the tractor . I have a 48 chev 2 ton that has been changed over for 20 years , still has 6 volt starter .

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Lou NY

04-12-2007 03:51:30




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to johns 960, 04-11-2007 16:55:47  
If you are going to use a tractor to work with and it needs to start, all the time with no fiddling and f---ing around, change it over to 12 volts, as far as it having worked for years as a 6 volt most of them did NOT work that good at 6 volts when brand new, thats is why so many where boosted up to 8 volts when they where still almost new, change battery, boost the regulator, and don't worry about the lights.

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dan hill

04-12-2007 04:39:18




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to Lou NY, 04-12-2007 03:51:30  
Started my 6v tractor at 24 degrees this morning.Started right up but took a while to run smooth be cause of crap gas we have now.



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Glen in TX

04-11-2007 18:41:10




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to johns 960, 04-11-2007 16:55:47  
Like others said there are some advantages and disadvantages too. Many like the new 6V Optima battery in a 6V system too though many dealers won't stock them they can order them in. One disadvantage putting 12V on a old 6V starter that isn't converted with proper coils and armature for 12V is it the old 6V may then spin too fast and the starter drive won't work right as it should and if starter is worn out yes you finish it off into just junk. If you want more reliability and easier to find parts or to be able to boost it and a working machine a modern internal regulated 12V neg. ground alternator, 12V converted starter are the way to go. You'll have to put a 12V ignition coil on it too and reverse connections on coil and amp meter if going to negative ground and it was originally positive ground. You can probably price conversion kits on this site and other tractor supply places and then compare with what you can get done with local electric shop too. Like Gerald said connections and cables may be your only problem or just a better battery and a starter overhaul. Don't use the wimpy automotive supply cables on a tractor. Go with some HD cables or get some custom made locally at truck or battery shop or can even use HD welding cable with solder on or crimp on ends of copper and brass not those wanna be bolt on repair ends.

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John T

04-11-2007 18:18:22




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to johns 960, 04-11-2007 16:55:47  
I agree with my old friend Gerald, get the heaviest highest CCA or Amp/Hr rated 6 volt battery that you can physically fit/stuff into the battery compartment, use 00 Gauge Battery n Starter n Ground cables, have all good clean tight solid connections plus a good starter switch or solenoid and a good starter n she ought to do fine assuming she has good plugs n a tune up etc and isnt completely worn out.

John T

John T

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Gerald J.

04-11-2007 18:13:28




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to johns 960, 04-11-2007 16:55:47  
If the 6 volt system has worked for 50 years, it can work for another 50.

If the 6 volt system isn't working well, its problems aren't necessarily cured by going to 12 volts, just that 12 volt sytems tolerate more voltage drop from poor connections and undersized battery cables. Applying 12 volts to wimpy and damaged 6 volt starter and battery cables is something akin to kicking a dying horse, its going to just die faster.

The critical things in a 6 volt system are connections and battery to starter cables and those connections in that circuit are the most critical. They (especially the battery posts) need regular cleaning and to be sure tight. A good 6 volt generator with a GOOD regulator will properly charge the 6 volt battery, so long as you run the tractor 20 minutes per start. Its not going to keep up if you run the tractor a minute or two per start.

Gerald J.

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Jon Hagen

04-11-2007 17:21:40




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 Re: 12 volt upgrade in reply to johns 960, 04-11-2007 16:55:47  
It depends. If the tractor is and always was a weak starting machine even though the electrical system is in good condition,then a 12V conversion may well fix the weakest part of an otherwise great tractor. It may also be an advantage if the tractor is converted to the battery voltage and polarity of 99% of what is built today, if you ever need to jump start it. The only down side is if you want the tractor to be totally stock or if a cable driven tachometer is driven off the generator. A replacment 12V generator or alternator with the correct cable drive may be hard to find.

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