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Why 12 volt?

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Rob

03-26-2003 19:34:15




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Ok guys, maybe this is the purist in me comming out, (I am also new here, so bear with me) why is everyone so hip on converting to a 12 volt system? What is the advantage? Six volts seems to do the job just fine if you got everything in good working order. I always heard that 6 volt headlights were the kind you had to get out a flashlight to see if they were burning-not the case at all! Mine are plenty bright, and my starter turns the engine just about as fast as a 12 volt would (maybe a LITTLE slower) so whats the advantage? PS. Not trying to come off like a smart a** really just curious

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Rusty

03-27-2003 18:20:32




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 Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to Rob, 03-26-2003 19:34:15  
You can convert to 12 volt for around $110 and have a waranty on the alternator. For a little more you can get a lifetime waranty. For a little less you can get the alternator at a junk yard.



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Danny in CO

03-27-2003 08:07:40




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 Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to Rob, 03-26-2003 19:34:15  
Rob,

It's really a personal choice. A 6 volt system with good connections is fine for these old tractors. If you have a reason for converting, do it. Don't convert just because your tractor is hard to start. If its hard to start, you have a problem with your 6 volt system. If you convert, you will still have the old problem.

Having said all this, I converted my 48 8N to 12 volts about a year and a half ago because I wanted to be able to use my tractor to jump start other 12 volt vehicles.

I have not regretted the change.

Danny

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Jim in NS.

03-27-2003 01:48:02




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 Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to Rob, 03-26-2003 19:34:15  
My local auto mechanic tells me that car's are going to 32 volt's within the next few year's. That should spin the old N over on a cold morning.



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36/42V --Jim Cox

03-27-2003 05:30:49




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 Re: Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to Jim in NS., 03-27-2003 01:48:02  
Not 32, (already in use on some trucking/Const equip) but 36/42 like our current 12/14. 12V Batt needs 14V to charge 36V batt will need 42V to charge. New ball game, 30V or more can 'tickle you' in an unpleasnant way. Back in 2000 Delco Head of R&D told me of the NEW ISAD (integral starter alternator damper) permanent magnets mounted on the flywheel, stationary coil in the bell housing. energize the coils sequentially, spin the flywheel and the engine starts. once it's running the magnets spinning past the coils generate electricity. while it's running, the coils are pulsed by an electronic brain at certain timing to take the shake out of the engine (80-90% on a GM four banger). Benz says by 2005 all accessories will run on electric motor like AC PS pump Water pump etc.... Kinda makes the 4 cyl flathead even MORE attractive

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Jim in NS.

03-27-2003 01:46:52




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 Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to Rob, 03-26-2003 19:34:15  
My local auto mechanic tells me that car's are going to 32 volt's within the next few year's. That should spin the old N over on a cold morning.



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Mountainman

03-26-2003 21:52:14




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 Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to Rob, 03-26-2003 19:34:15  
Every one has their own reasons I guess. My 8N came to me with an 8 volt battery and the regulator adjusted to match. Twice I repaired the generator and then the battery went bad. It didn't owe me anything as by then it was over six years old. I borrowed a six volt battery and tried to readjust the regulator with only limited success. Then the generator went out again - this time beyond my limited ability to fix it. With the need for a new battery and regulator plus a generator rebuild ($$$$$), I decided to convert to 12 volts, a system I understood better at the time.
I would never use 8 volts again. When I replaced the coil during the conversion all my mysterious problems went away. If I had found this site I would have known where to look.

If your six volt system is working properly I certainly wouldn't convert unless you absolutely had to have twelve volts for other equipment.

N - joy.

Mountainman...CA

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ScottGa

03-26-2003 21:08:48




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 Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to Rob, 03-26-2003 19:34:15  
Looks likes to me the best thing about 12V is its compatability with all modern systems(your truck,newer tractors,etc.)If your 6V system works,don't fix it.



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James

03-26-2003 20:31:49




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 Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to Rob, 03-26-2003 19:34:15  
My 2N is still 6 volts and my 8N is a converted 12. My only complaint with the 6 is that you cannot put a big enough battery in the area allotted! Other then that, like everyone else says....if you got your 6 volter up to snuff....it will perform just as well as a 12.

The one and only thing I always try to remember with my 6 volt system is that when I'm starting up with a heavy load on three point hitch....always make sure the quadrant control isn't in the "UP" position.....seems the added load of the hydralic pump is sometimes just enough of a drag on the engine to make it hard to start.

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tim[in]

03-27-2003 13:06:22




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 Re: Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to James, 03-26-2003 20:31:49  
that is because the older tractors did not have a 'dump " valve in the hydraulic systems. i learned that trick by accident on an old minnie 950.took a lot of energy while starting to lift the heavy duty 3 point on that sucker!! lol



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souNdguy

03-27-2003 05:47:42




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 Re: Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to James, 03-26-2003 20:31:49  
"""hitch....always make sure the quadrant control isn't in the "UP" position.....seems the added load of the hydralic pump is sometimes just enough of a drag on the engine to make it hard to start. """"

I hadn't even thought of that... I just get so used to pushing in the clutch to start, that I guess it wouldn't make a difference on the old 8n.. as when clutched.. not hyd's...

I'll keep that in mind.. as I'm sure i've started my NAA with the 3pt raised.. and it is live hyd's.

Soundguy

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KenB-2N

03-26-2003 19:59:04




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 Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to Rob, 03-26-2003 19:34:15  
From my novice point of view, there is absolutely nothing wrong with sticking with the 6-volt system. Either method can be good if installed and maintained correctly (which is where I usually have trouble). My tractor was converted to 12 volt by my grandfather. I think he liked the idea of swapping batteries with other tractors, trucks, around the farm until he had time to go to town and get a new battery.

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Ford Man

03-26-2003 19:54:44




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 Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to Rob, 03-26-2003 19:34:15  
Changing to 12 volts cures a lot of hard starting problems . I changed my 2N over when the generator went bad . It was roughly the same cost as replacing the generator . She starts any time I need and I don't have to be so carefull about keeping all my connections "clean , bright and tight " .

Now on the other hand , my Ferguson 30 and John Deere 40 are still 6 volts . They start just fine . I really kind of like the sound of the slower starting revs of the 6 volt systems . Reminds me of Grandpa on his 8N . I have no plans of changing them over to 12 volts unless they crap out down the road .

If your tractor starts and charges OK , I would not even consider changing over . You would just be throwing away perfectly good components .

Ford Man

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shoeie

03-26-2003 20:47:45




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 Re: Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to Ford Man, 03-26-2003 19:54:44  
I think maybe the 12 volt system has a winter
time advantage. Here in southern Idaho we often
have sub-zero winter time tempatures, that's where
the 12 volt system shines, gives it that added
turning power for better starts. At -20 the 6 volt
system needs a little help to spin the motor.



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James

03-26-2003 21:04:40




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 Re: Re: Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to shoeie, 03-26-2003 20:47:45  
at -20..... ..I'D NEED A LITTLE HELP SPINNING UP MY MOTOR TOO!!!!! hehehe....there ARE times when its OK to just sit in front of the fireplace!!



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shoeie

03-26-2003 21:13:43




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Why 12 volt? in reply to James, 03-26-2003 21:04:40  
Your right James, at -20 we would have to be crazy
to be sitting on that old tractor, don't know of
any of the old 6volt tractors that had a good heated cab on them.



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