Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo Auction Link (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Discussion Forum
:

Converting Generator to 12 volts??

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
AWB

04-20-2003 05:27:12




Report to Moderator

Would like to be able to convert my 6 volt generator to 12 volt so as to keep the original look....and end up with a 12 volt positive ground system. Can this be done, and how do I do it? Thanks.




[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
mj

04-21-2003 05:40:55




Report to Moderator
 Re: Converting Generator to 12 volts?? in reply to AWB, 04-20-2003 05:27:12  
A guy at the auto electric shop here told me to just put on a 12v regulator or cutout and the 6v generators will put out what the 12v regulator/cutout is set for. Another point: I don't know about A-C but some Case 6v generators have 3 brushes with the third one adjustable for voltage though I've never tried one on a 12v conversion. I just put on an alternator since my tractors all get used and I'm not worried about keeping them original...I do save the original parts though, just in case! :-)

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
steve

04-20-2003 11:37:57




Report to Moderator
 Re: Converting Generator to 12 volts?? in reply to AWB, 04-20-2003 05:27:12  
might be able to use your original generator. most 6 volt weill put out about 15 volts non regulated. to test it, take the A anf F terminal wires off the generator. ground the F terminal. start tractor and measure the voltage across the A and F terminals. if you get more than 13 volts, then you can use a 12 volt regulator to trim voltage for a 12 volt system. you can have the generator rewould for 12 volt and it will have a longer life, but 6 volt generator running at 12 volt will last a long time, considering the power factor it is putting out. (low).

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Doug in OR

04-20-2003 15:00:57




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: Converting Generator to 12 volts?? in reply to steve, 04-20-2003 11:37:57  
Actually, you need 13.8 to 14.0 volts to maintain a minimum charge in a 12 volt battery. While yes, some 6 volt generators may be able to give you 15 volts, they won't be able to do it with much current. As soon as the battery requires any kind of charge, the voltage will drop below the needed level. And the bearings and brushes will last about the same life, regardless of current output.

For just a few dollars more, you can just get a rebuilt 12 volt generator and do the job the right way.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Doug in OR

04-20-2003 08:50:46




Report to Moderator
 Re: Converting Generator to 12 volts?? in reply to AWB, 04-20-2003 05:27:12  
As Kevin said, just find a 12 volt generator that looks close to your 6 volt job. It doesn't matter if the generator is positive or negative ground - repolarizing is something that takes about 2 seconds to do. And also as Kevin said, you will need a 12 volt regulator. If you are running battery ignition, you'll need to either add a 1.7 ohm resistor in series with the coil (those old MOPAR resistors worked well), or change to a 12 volt coil. And don't forget to change your lamps to 12 volts.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Kevin

04-20-2003 07:31:04




Report to Moderator
 Re: Converting Generator to 12 volts?? in reply to AWB, 04-20-2003 05:27:12  
AWB,

I'm no generator expert, but I suspect that the best thing to do is to find a 12V generator that matches the 6V one you have. Another option--bring your 6V generator to a rebuild shop and get them to convert it to 12V--maybe by changing the armature and windings out. Would also need to change to a 12V regulator.

I think the cheapest way to go would be to find a 12V generator--less labor costs. My D17 still has the 12V generator and it looks pretty close to one of our B models with a 6V generator.

Kevin (FL)

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy