Introduction

Posted by john in la on November 15, 2004 at 05:42:56 from (66.157.27.124):

In Reply to: Ford Hundred Series 12V Conversion (very long) posted by john in la on November 15, 2004 at 05:32:11:

So you have decided to convert your Ford hundred series tractor to 12v for whatever the reason. Their are many ways of converting but this is a step by step guide of how I would do it using a Delco 10SI alternator. This guide is set up for the 601/801 with a dash light but I will try to adapt it to the 600/800 model also for those that need that setup. I will also try to add some testing procedures so you can check your system if you should ever have any problems.

Lets all get on the same page by me starting with the fact that this is not for everyone. Whether or not you leave your tractor 6v or convert to 12v is a personal decision. Whether you use a new 12v regulator with your old 6v generator or use these steps is also a personal decision. Converting from 6v to 12v can be the best thing you ever did for your tractor or your worst nightmare depending on how you do it. All parts are available at part stores or over the internet and just bolt on. While it cost more some may want to buy a ready to install kit to do this conversion. These kits save a lot of leg work trying to find all the correct parts. I have seen these kits available from many places but I must warn you some of these kits are put together the cheapest way. I have even seen some that will cause problems down the road just because they do not have the correct parts to do it properly. At the very least I think you should read through these pages so you can get a idea on how this system works. It should give you the info you need to help you decide what path is best for you and tell you how to install it correctly.

If you are interested in a conversion kit this site (YTMAG) sells a kit. You can see it Here

While I have never bought one of these kits it may be right for you. The question I would ask is if the alternator is a 3 wire set up or a true 1 wire setup. You can not tell them apart by looking at them. The only difference is the internal regulator. If it is not a true 1 wire; is some form of diode included in the wiring harness to prevent feed back through the #1 or F wire to the coil. Another thing to look at is does it come with a 12v to 6v resistor or a 12v coil and does the coil need a resistor.
The 3 wire alternator was used in cars and I think it is best for a tractor. You can get a 3 wire alternator from any parts store. My AutoZone store has them for $23.99.
The true 1 wire alternators were originally used on marine engines. They are more expensive. J.C. Whitney has the marine alternator for $129.99 plus $16.99 in shipping. They also have a 3 wire car alternator that has had the regulator replaced with the 1 wire regulator. It goes for $79.99 plus $13.99 in shipping. That is $93.98 I do not feel this alternator is worth $69.99 more than the AutoZone alternator but that is your choice.
The thing you need to watch for is some will sell you a 3 wire alternator and tell you to wire it with only 2 wires leaving the 3rd wire that hooks to the #1 or field terminal on the alternator off. This will work but requires you to rev the cold engine all the way up to get the alternator to start charging. Not a good idea in my mind.

If you are trying to crunch the numbers to see if you want to do this or whether you want to buy a kit or get the parts at a local parts house lets go over what you need. Remember all these parts will not be in the kit and some will have to be bought locally.

Delco 10SI alternator
5/8” alternator belt pulley
Delco wire adapter for spade plugs on the alternator
Alternator bracket
A 12V to 6V coil resistor OR a 12V coil
Miscellaneous wire and wire ends
12V battery
Dash charging indicator light or one way diode
A simple $20.00 volt/ohm meter from Wal-Mart is also good to have for testing.

That is all you will need to get the tractor running but you will eventually need to replace all your light bulbs and gauges that use electricity such as the fuel and amp or volt gauge.

So now lets look at every part in the system 1 by 1 and see what you need new and what can stay.

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