6 volt system with a 12 volt battery

CVA59 · Dec 7, 2009

Can i use a 12 volt battery on my H? It is a 6 volt system that is all original. I know i can't stay on it when starting if i use a 12 volt battery but i just want to make sure i won't fry my wiring or starter.
Thanks,
Zack

Ric Ks. · Dec 7, 2009

The starter will be fine. It will spin faster is all. The coil will be the problem, it will get hot after time and may go open causing shutdown. Dont hit the lights or they will be gone. I have a 12 in my allis WD now with no problems, the lites were fried anyway.

Tom Fleming · Dec 7, 2009

The starter is the only thing that will work. The generator, lights, coil, and voltage regulator will NOT work.......you will immediately burn them up.

so, if you need to use a 12 volt battery, wire it for the starter only, and you will have to charge it while not in use, as the generator will not be connected.

CVA59 · Dec 7, 2009

Sounds like i better stick with the 6volt battery, LOL. I don't want to create any problems. Thanks for the reply guys
Zack

rustyfarmall · Dec 7, 2009

An H will start just fine on the original 6 volt system. Even in extreme cold conditions. A full 12 volt conversion is not worth the hassle.

GeneMO · Dec 7, 2009

From what I have learned on this site over the years, the key is good battery, good heavy cables, clean, bright connections and a good preforming starter. Of course the rest of the ignition system needs to work as well.

If all is in order, it only needs to crank over a few times anyway.

Gene

Dellbertt · Dec 7, 2009

If you have a magneto and no lights the only problem would be the generator.
We used to jump start our magneto 6v H all the time with a 12v direct to starter. If you jump direct to starter - after start switch - you only give the 12v to the starter and not the rest of the system.
Dell

CVA59 · Dec 8, 2009

I see, Well i better just stick to the 6V battery. It would probably save me a bunch of potential headaches if i just keep everything original.
Thanks,
Zack

Dellbertt · Dec 9, 2009

At present I have 2 300U's, a Super A and a FCub and all have the original 6v system and they all start just fine.
In my opinion, along with keeping things clean and in good working order, is keeping the tractor tuned so it starts easy every time.
Dell

scot in pa · Dec 9, 2009

Drop in a 12v battery and see what it does. My SM is charging a 12v unmodified. If it charges the battery, go to any auto parts store and get a ballast resistor for an 85 Dodge pickup with a v8. Wire it between the battery and coil, and swap your bulbs out for 12v units. The starter will be fine as it will crank fast enough that it will start pretty quick, unless it is already going bad.

Jim Becker · Dec 9, 2009

The starter will be fine as it will crank fast enough that it will start pretty quick, unless it is already going bad.

Of course, if something wasn't already going bad, it will start pretty quickly on 6 volts.

scot in pa · Dec 9, 2009

Of course, I was burning up an expensive Interstate 6v battery yearly. I"ve had the same cheap ($24) autozone 12v in it for four years now.

The regulator finally gave up this summer, it froze up. But it"s lasted about 6, and that went with every other battery.

CVA59 · Dec 9, 2009

I may try it anyway. My light bulbs are all blown anyway. My H is about to undergo a total restoration. I just wanted to try this before i tore it all down.

6 volt system with a 12 volt battery

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