Need to convert to 12 volt

Rob

After that, check to make sure the distributor is adjusted correctly, you have good REAL wire sparkplug wires that are connected in the right firing order and good, clean sparkplugs of the right type and gap.

Then check to see that the charging system is fully charging the battery (could be that the voltage regulator is regulating to a lower-than-correct voltage).

After you've done all the low-cost work above, then decide if it starts well enough.

BTW, I converted my 2N to 12V without a kit. It wasn't real hard to do but not everyone understands electricity or electronics (or has the parts and tools readily available). In my case, the generator and the battery were both dead anyway so it was cheaper to convert.

There is a fellow here that post all the time that said that back in the Colorado mountians, he used to take his 6 volt car battery into the house on below ZERO nites so the ol' cold blooded Plymouth 6 cyl would really spin over in the morning so it would start "Easier" Now, I've never had to do this with any of my 12 volt cars in the last 25 years so that might be another good reason to convert to 12 volts.

HTH

later,dave

My two six volt 8ns only missed one start last winter and none this winter in Montana and the one time wasn't the tractor's fault.

Your mileage may vary

I'm notta fan of the weaknee 8 volt bandage approach of trying to improve your 6 volt Ford N-Tractor starting. Remember the 6 volt mantra: "keep'me clean, bright, and tight" and don't be fer usin' enny of them thar wimpy ferrin' battery cables. Gettcha some 'arry chested 'merrican 1/0 (thick as yer thumb) battery cables..... ....respectfully, Dell

Get an I&T FO-4 manual, available from many sponsors of this fine N-Board. Most tractor parts emporiums. Try www.n-news.com archives for manuals for the more than 400 implements that were made for the 8N. Amazingly enuff, even Ford/New Holland even sells 'em. My local (byte my tongue) John Deere parts counter has it on display for sale. $29 cheap, gettcha 1 and readitt.

As the others have pointed out, a good tune-up is essential. Frontmounts are a 2-bolt removal and worked on the kitchen table. (or other well lit comfortable work area). Major problem is skinny battery cables, get 1/0 thick as yer thumb. Remember the 6 volt mantra: "keep'em clean, bright, and tight".

Also do a compression test, dry then wet, 5 puffs, 90 psi min.

If you're still convinced that you really need to convert to 12 volts. Recommend you bite the bullet and buy a conversion kit, sure prevents a lotta hassle. And if you find the conversions instructions un-clear, (and alotta shadetree mechanics do) ask. As you've found out 12 volts on a 6 volt starter, really spins that ol'N-Engine, but 12 volts on the frontmount ignition coil causes lots of problems for the electrially challenged.

I'm a 12 volt advocate for the right reasons. That said, I haven't found the right reason to convert my eazy starting '52 8N, and I know how to do it right. Infact I know 7 ways to do it right..... ....respectfully, Dell

Get it tuned, check wiring, and as previously stated, get big fat wires for the battery leads. Be sure the carburator is properly adjusted.

Other more knowledgable folks than I on the board more than willing to help.

Hope this helps

JA - easy cranking '51 8N

After you give it a complete tune up make sure all of your electrical connections are "clean, bright and tight".

Since the tractor is new to you, I would check the compression to make sure that you have the minimum spec of 90#'s. Do a wet and dry test so we can make sure no rings or valves are sticking.

Again, since the tractor is new to you I would clean all three fuel filter to make sure you get good fuel flow.

Once you have done the above, if you still feel the need to convert to 12 volts then by all means do so. Keep in mind that if kept properly tuned the 6 volt system will crank and start at -20 (been there, done that). I have a 2N that is mine and an 8N that I am "babysitting" that both start with no trouble at sub zero temperatures with their properly maintained 6 volt systems.

Good Luck!

My 6 volt battery is new and my gen is chargeing but yet it still won't start with 6 volts, also I'm guessing 12 volt must be better since all cars and trucks are now 12 volt and not 6 ?

Thanks
Rob

later,dave

In early 50's Detroit started producing hi-compression V-8's as a response to consumer demand for MORE HORSEPOWER. HP sold cars. Hard to start didn't sell cars. It was quite cost effective to make a 12 volt battery (2 small 6 volt battery in bigger case).

Then the automotive consumer told Detroit, if you want to sell me a new car, its also gotta have airconditioning, power window, power seats, 500 watts of radio amps, eyeblinding headlights for safer driving on lit freeways. All this takes ELECTRICAL POWER. Today's automotive electrical designers are actually talking 36 and 42 volts for future car requirements. You know, computerized everything.

Maybe the question should be asked why 6 volts? Turns out that in developing the electrical starter (for lady drivers) in 1915's, 6 volts was the smallest/cheapest battery that could reliably start the low compression engines. Thats why 6 volts.

So in 1939, when Henry Ford designed the 9N tractor, he just got a 6 volt starter off his automotive assembly line. And why not, its addequate, already invented, and cheaper than designing a new starter.

One thing Ford did different on the N-Engine, was put the starter on the leftside of the engine, where it is eazy to get to. Instead of on the rightside (like his V-8's), hidden behind the hot exhaust..... .....Dell