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6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600

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judy seward

12-17-2001 07:44:27

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our 1960 ford tractor always seemed to have problems in its electrical system. we finally disconnected the headlights and use a charger to start it. should we renew the 6 volt or convert to 12? and what is wrong with it anyway?

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judy seward

12-19-2001 07:01:18

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Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to judy seward, 12-17-2001 07:44:27

Just want to thank everyone for all the info. this is a great site. my husband is even reading the answers--and he never goes near the computer. Because we need so many parts anyway, we are going to convert to 12 volts.

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David Gallagher

12-18-2001 05:09:20

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Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to judy seward, 12-17-2001 07:44:27

About a year ago, someone named Brian had a web page on how to convert to a 12V system. There were about 20 steps that he laid out that were virtually foolproof. The only things I had to buy was a GM alternator, about 30.00 bucks, a diode from Radio Shack (under 1.00) and some wire and ends. I have the instructions in hard copy if anyone needs it.

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John Grodek

12-20-2001 13:56:05

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Re: Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to David Gallagher, 12-18-2001 05:09:20

David, Do your instructions for 6 to 12 volt conversion include a wiring diagram? Let me know. Thanks. John

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Gary

12-17-2001 18:42:44

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Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to judy seward, 12-17-2001 07:44:27

I have a 640. When I bought it it was 6-volt. I had to use a battery charger every time I started it. I had an old fella tell me about an 8-volt battery. The only thing I had to change was step up the voltage regulator a tiny bit. The place I bought the battery was glad to do it for free. It starts and runs beautifully. I have a snow plow on the front so I count on it.

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Rick in Indiana

12-17-2001 15:34:15

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Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to judy seward, 12-17-2001 07:44:27

I will sound like a preacher. But convert from the six volt to a 12. The cost in time savings is well worth it. I know that I not a purest at heart but I have a Ford 860 and a Ford 861 changed over. I have not had a problem since the the convertion on getting either to start.

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paul

12-17-2001 22:16:09

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Re: Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to Rick in Indiana, 12-17-2001 15:34:15

Use my 960 in winter in Minnesota all the time. Works fine on the 6 volt stock. Rebuilt the generator twice. But, that's in 33 years time. Bet your 12 volt system will give trouble eventually too. :)

--->Paul

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Phil (VA)

12-17-2001 13:45:15

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Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to judy seward, 12-17-2001 07:44:27

Does the ammeter show it is not charging? I assume so, based on your post. If so -- let me think to make sure I get this right as I'm not near my tractor or manual, but it's in the Ford 600 manual if I have it wrong -- shut it off and move the wire from the "field" terminal on the regulator to the "arm" terminal and restart the tractor. If it now shows it is charging better, the problem is the voltage regulator. Replace it. If there is no difference the problem is the generator. Take it to a generator shop and have them overhaul it, maybe $40. The posts about the big (#1 or #0) battery cables are definitely important and correct. Let us know what happened.

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Phil (VA)

12-17-2001 13:44:28

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Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to judy seward, 12-17-2001 07:44:27

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Joe M

12-17-2001 12:23:03

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Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to judy seward, 12-17-2001 07:44:27

I converted my 841 to 12 volt about two months ago and since it is a working tractor I am glad I did. It cost about $190.00 with the kit from Genesse and about 4 hours to do. I have since wired up two new headlights, fender flashers, and a rear work light. I have posted my pics link. I bought it in March and am slowly getting it right. Never has failed to run good though. Try the cleaning but in my case the generator was bad so out it went.

'61 Ford 841

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Rod MI

12-17-2001 22:14:28

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Re: Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to Joe M, 12-17-2001 12:23:03

Joe how did you wire up your fender flashers where did you get the flasher and how did you wire it I wont to do this but I dint now if a hazard flasher from the autopart store could be used or not thanks Rod MI

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Joe M

12-18-2001 05:32:24

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Re: Re: Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to Rod MI, 12-17-2001 22:14:28

Hey Rod

I just used a normal car flasher from the auto store. It is zip tied to near the steering column right in the light circuit. I used a two position auto switch in the front of the dash near my right leg. The hole was there for something else. The first position turns the headlights on, the second the headlights and the flasher, and I have a seperate switch where the idiot light used to be for the back light. I paid $9.99 for each light, $5.99 for each flasher light, $5.00 for the switches, $1.50 for the flasher and $10.00 for the misc stuff. A flasher kit at the store is $45.00 so I feel good about my job. If you need anything else just let me know.

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Rod MI

12-18-2001 09:53:36

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Re: Re: Re: Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to Joe M, 12-18-2001 05:32:24

Thanks I will probable get back with you on this Rod MI

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ken in wisconsin

12-17-2001 08:29:34

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Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to judy seward, 12-17-2001 07:44:27

It could be as simple as cleaning all electrical connections and replacing wire ends that have corroded. I was amazed at how much better my 6V 860 turned over and started after I systematically cleaned all connections, including the big cables from the battery. If you need to replace the battery cables, be sure you buy the big fat ones designed for 6V systems. I would try this simple thing before converting to 12V. It will take less than 2 hours to do the whole tractor.

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TimK

12-17-2001 13:19:19

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Re: Re: 6 volt vs 12 volt, ford 600 in reply to ken in wisconsin, 12-17-2001 08:29:34

I agree with the other response to clean up everything and invest in new cables if needed. Also, if yours has cut out switch or a regulator, that may be your problem. However, if your generator is shot and it's going to cost let's say $50+ in addition to cables etc. to bring it up to snuff, then I would convert it to 12v. This will be especially true if you use the tractor in the winter if you're in a cold climate. Whatever is cost effective for you. My $.02

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