6vs 8v batt

You mean it draws LESS current at 8v then 6v.
When you raise volts the current draw is less.

VOltsxamps=watts

watts is power consumption and is the ONLY constant in this.

The variables are volts and amps, the device always draws same power regardless of how those two vary.

So take a 120watt started (making this up)
120watt at 6v would draw 20amps
120watt at 8v would draw 15amps

Ohms law electronics lesson 1 haha. Ya Im a electronic/eletric geek cant help it. Love the stuff. Even build my own guitar effect procesors. (what do you expect from a pc technician?)

I have had starter rebuilt, replaced ignition key, and now it's in the shop with generator problems. Is this because of the use of an 8-V battery, or is it just a coincidence? thanks

1) The starter dont draw very much more current at 8 versus 6 volts so I dont really see the 8 volt batetry as a "major" contributor to starter failure. Heck Ive used 12 volts on 6 volt starters n never had any problems.

2) Ditto on the ignition key, Id say its failure is normal and a coincedence. The coil will draw a lil more at 8 versus 6 volts, but the ignition switch is rated wayyyyy yy more amps then the max coil current. COINCIDENCE IS MY ANSWER

NOTE a more normal happening when using 8 volts on a 6 volt non mag ignition system is the coil will run a tad hotter and the points will burn up sooner !!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!

3) The generator is a bit more complex. In order for it to produce the higher voltage necessary to charge an 8 versus only a 6 volt battery, IT WAS DRAWING MORE FIELD CURRENT which yields more heat sooooo ooooo oo over the long haul that extra field current might have degraded the field windings (and their insulation integrity) a bit. BUTTTTT TT again there wasnt all that much added field current and its NOT the case where it would have been enough extra heat to cause any quick harm. Heck again, Ive used 6 volt gennys to charge 12 volts and NEVER HAD ANY QUICK OR SUDDEN PROBLEMS (none at all for that matter) I dont see the 8 volts as any appreciable added wear on the gennys bushings or armature so much, possilby a lil more field current n heat which would NOT increase the field windings life but its still not all that bad.

I guess I would guess/attrribute the gennys failure to 80% coincidence and 20% max to extra field current from charging that 8 volt battery.

John T

When Gates first came out with their Optima series batteries they were 2.2 volts per cell. This did cause some problems where the battery would not recharge fast enough. I had problems with some delivery trucks that would last about a week and then the battery would be too discharged to start the engine. Recharge the battery and everything checked out fine but it would be repeated every week until Gates changed their battery specs.