Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84 exptools; site cbuxc.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!cbuxc!jrm From: jrm@cbuxc.UUCP (John Miller) Newsgroups: net.auto.tech Subject: conversion of 6 volt to 12 volt system Message-ID: <362@cbuxc.UUCP> Date: Mon, 11-Nov-85 09:19:55 EST Article-I.D.: cbuxc.362 Posted: Mon Nov 11 09:19:55 1985 Date-Received: Tue, 12-Nov-85 04:27:21 EST Distribution: net Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories - Columbus Comp. Center Lines: 50 I have a 63 Ford model 4000 tractor. This is a full size agricultural tractor. It has a standard starting system and ignition system, the components are: 6v generator 6v starter voltage regulator 6v ignition coil 6v lights 6v starting solinoid (external to starter) The problem: The 6v starter system is crummy, it turns slowly and in the winter will sometimes not start. I have jumped it with a 12volt battery and found that the started (as expected) turns faster and the overall starting interval is shorter. The generator is not working, so I need to charge the battery periodically. When the battery has a full charge then it starts reasonably well (but still tough in the winter). Since the generator is shot and the battery is 3+ years old, I am considering converting to a 12 volt system. I would replace the generator and the regulator with a DELCO alternator (I would use one with a built in regulator), the ignition coil, lights, solinoid, etc with the 12volt counterparts. However, there is NO 12volt starter available - I must use the 6 volt starter. So the questions are: 1) can I use a straight 12 volts on this critter without a premature meltdown (what would the voltage drop be, etc.) 2) should I try to rig a voltage eater in series with the starter and battery: a) do they make a .048ohm/750watt resistor? b) is the an electronic way to do the same thing? (e.g. SCR etc.) 3) since the system is positive ground, can the case polarity of the DELCO alternator be reversed or can the starter be operated reverse polarity (since it is a D.C. motor I would expect it to run the other way?) Any help would be appreciated and yes I KNOW this is "net.AUTO.tech" not "net.TRACTOR.tech", but I had hoped that someone out there might be willing to tackle this problem anyway. j.r. miller, at&t bell labs, columbus, oh, us of a