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Converting a Model G to 12 volt

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Al Paschall

02-02-2001 08:02:39

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I'm thinking about converting my model G to a 12-volt system. Has anyone done it and what alternator did you use? I'd like to do it with as little modification as possible so I can put it back at some point in the future if needs be.

Thanks for any advice.

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Tyler(WA)

02-05-2001 07:41:18

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Re: Converting a Model G to 12 volt in reply to Al Paschall, 02-02-2001 08:02:39

Don't pay any attention to the cranks about "original equipment" and "resale value." Keep the original generator, regulator and wiring for the unlikely event that you sell your tractor to a pureist someday but don't spend good money on old ways.

The reason 12v has surpassed 6v is simple. Higher voltage demands less current to do the same work. High current requires cleaner connections and heavier conductors to opperate efficiently.

For the cost of a single rebuild of your generator, you can upgrade to a 12v alternator and battery and realize easier starts and less expensive replacement parts.

Unless you are showing your tractor and get some kind of return for a classic rebuild (hense, NOT a working tractor) there's no good reason to keep your older 6v. system.

Your starter will turn the right direction regardless of polarity and won't mind the higher voltage either. There are lots of good articles on this subject. Good luck.

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John

02-05-2001 21:10:25

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Re: Re: Converting a Model G to 12 volt in reply to Tyler(WA), 02-05-2001 07:41:18

Tyler(WA),
FYI large wires cost more than small wires.
The same wattage 6 volt generator costs more than a 12 volt.
The same wattage alternator will cost more in 6 volts than in 12 volts.
The reason the auto makers went to 12 volts was if you save $20 on each car and you are making a million cars a year you will make an extra $20 million a year profit.
If higher voltage is so good why don' t we have 24 volt or 48 volt or 120 volt or 240 volt or 480 volt starting and electrical systems in automobiles?

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Tyler(WA)

02-06-2001 09:56:49

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Re: Re: Re: Converting a Model G to 12 volt in reply to John, 02-05-2001 21:10:25

John,

Hold on to your tractor seat. Newer cars are going to 24 and 48 volt systems as we speak. They are starting with the luxury cars and predict 12v operating systems will be obsolete in 10 years for the very reasons you correctly pointed out.

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John

02-06-2001 22:07:34

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Converting a Model G to 12 volt in reply to Tyler(WA), 02-06-2001 09:56:49

The reason is because the more things you can use electric to run, the less fuel the car uses. The CAFE for the auto make is the real driving force behind the move to higher voltages. Cost savings drove the change from 6 to 12 volts in the 50s not starting performance. By the way the higher the voltage the more dangerous the electrical systems become. If you want to stay alive you watch what you touch when working with 480 volts.

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Al Paschall

02-05-2001 11:22:42

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Re: Re: Converting a Model G to 12 volt in reply to Tyler(WA), 02-05-2001 07:41:18

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I've talked to my local rebuilder and he suggested rebuilding the generator so that it is a twelve volt generator. It will look original and the only way to tell will be the battery. He says he's done this before and it's worked like a charm. I think he's onto something.

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John

02-03-2001 22:43:20

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Re: Re: Converting a Model G to 12 volt in reply to norm, 02-03-2001 19:20:14

Norm,
We know what the answer is. These fools can't believe that you only need 6 volts to start a gasoline engine. The engines, in the tractors people are wanting to convert to 12volts, can be started using a handcrank, so why would you need more than 6 volts.

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steve

02-04-2001 07:37:17

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Re: Re: Re: Converting a Model G to 12 volt in reply to John, 02-03-2001 22:43:20

guys, most people know the tractor is small and can be started with 6 volts. If it is simply a wiring problem then, yea, that should be fixed. I am assuming the electrical has been checked and checked again and the problem is the generator or regulator. At this point it is more economics. Last time I checked it cost $100. to have the generator rewound and brushed. You still have a 6 volt positive ground system that is different than everything else on the farm. (at lease everything I own). If you want original thats great, but if you are going for low cost, long life and common with your other equipment, the delco alternator is a good cheep fix. I do this when its time to get a new battery also. That helps justify the cost. My tractors all use the same battery type.

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John

02-04-2001 21:14:29

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Converting a Model G to 12 volt in reply to steve, 02-04-2001 07:37:17

$100 spread over 20 years is $5.00 a year!
You may lose up to 50% or more of the value of the tractor because automotive collectors are going to start wanting these small tractors for their collection but only if they are not modified.
Last a tractor which can be started using a handcrank does not need to be jump started from another battery. We want you to give reasons not your f*****g excuses.

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steve

02-02-2001 20:33:02

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Re: Converting a Model G to 12 volt in reply to Al Paschall, 02-02-2001 08:02:39

I never put one on a model G, but the best and most common alternator ever built is the Delco 10SI. It is available at Auto Zone or Napa, etc for $35. This is the internal regulator type used on all chevrolet (general motors) vehicles after about 1972. Just tell NAPA you have a 1975 chevy 1/2 ton truck and your on the right path. The alterntor must be connected to the positive terminal on the battery. The negative terminal on the battery would now be the ground. You can find additional info in the "articles" section to the right, under 6 to 12 volt conversions. If you need more wiring info, just ask. Another way is to buy a single wire alternator, which is also the Delco 10SI with a modified internal regulator so it only needs 1, 10 gauge wire to the battery. These can be purchased thru JC Whitney and are probably about $75. and simplier to wire.

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Rick in NC

02-03-2001 06:28:24

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Re: Re: Converting a Model G to 12 volt in reply to steve, 02-02-2001 20:33:02

Just a note on the 1-wire installation.

I converted my 1950 Model B to 12 volts and installed a 1-wire alternator. I found that in order to energize (excite) the alternator so that it would charge, I had to rev the engine as high as it would run. I did not like doing that on a 50 year old engine. I have recently had the alternator converted back to the 2-wire configuration, and the alternator begins charging as soon as the engine starts.

Just my personal experience. I really liked the uncluttered look of the 1-wire, but find the 2-wire more practical for a low-revving motor.

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steve

02-03-2001 11:58:05

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Re: Re: Re: Converting a Model G to 12 volt in reply to Rick in NC, 02-03-2001 06:28:24

Yea, thats a problem with a tractor that runs 1400-1600 RPM. The single wire type were made for boats, trucks, etc that run 2500 RPM. If used on an old tractor would probably have to put on a real small pulley to get the alternator RMP up. I also prefer the standard alternator with two prong side plug. Tyey will charge when the engine is at low RPM

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