Upgrade Questions for the Ford 8N

My question is should I consider updating the 6v system to 12V and update the ignition to an electronic style if I plan to use this as a true working tractor year round?

I live in central Indiana so cold winters are not usual. It runs fine right now, but will these or any other upgrades save me frustration on that -5 degress below zero day that I really need to plow out the 200 yard long gravel drive?

Any 8N buffs on here live near Pittsboro, Indiana???

Thanks guys

Let me know if you get it. I will be moving to Pittsboro next Wed. and will go pick up the tractor shorty after.

Thanks

I bet I just solved a mystery on mine. I was trying to replace the original ammeter (a shunt/induction type) and dribbled some Blaster PB on it accidently while soaking the hood fasteners. The metal bezel ring started to arc and I could see the paint burn like a fuse along the rim. Not something you want to see when you're laying on a gas tank a foot away from the sparks and fumes. I was off and had the ground strap disconnected in seven seconds (maybe a tad longer). Some prior owner or mechanic had wired the attachment posts in series as if it were a modern ammeter. I bet this tractor drained batteries like no-body's business . . . but it was never mentioned in negotiations. Now I just have to decide if the generator needs a voltage regulator or if the one on the tractor was unintentionally left disconnected (with 1" of the wires left hanging where they were snipped off). Same with the resistor on the block that is connected to nuttin.

Trying to figure out someone else's cobble-jobs can be a real learning experience.

I grew up on an 8N that was a very consistent starter in the winter. It was wierd though, you culd look at the thermometer outside, if it was above 10 it would always start, if is was below 10 it wuld not start period.

I think the bottom line is that you have to do what pleases you. The 12 volt will eliminate having a lot of things on the electrical system kept up to snuff.

My '47 2N lives in an unheated shed all year round so it is out of the rain etc., but not heated.

It is set up with the original 6 volt ignition system and it never fails to start, except maybe on the coldest winter days when it is like 5-10 below zero.

If your tractor is working well the way it is, my reccomendation is not to muck it up! You know the old adage 'If it ain't broke, dont fix it!'

That said, its your money, change it if you want to, but consider whether you are 'fixing' a problem that you don't really have.

I have seen posts in the past that described problems with the electronic ignition when they get hot but have no personal experience.

I live in Avon and would be glad to get together to discuss these critters. We could meet at Prestwick, if you like.

Tony in IN

I would love to get together sometime and have you give me a good lesson on the 8N. Like I said, this is my first tractor and I have not even run one since I was growing up back in Blackford County.

Troy is right though. 6V works just fine if it's set up and maintained properly. Just like any other system.

There are other arguments as to why you should go with 12 volts, such as better headlights, and using other 12 volt accessories, but if your 6 is working fine, i"d leave it, I have an 860 that is still 6 volts, and it has only failed to start a couple of times in the 11 years that i have owned it, here in central Illinois