12V Conversion?

Farmall M Beginner · Jan 19, 2010

I have heard mixed things about converting over to 12V, I know of someone that has a S,M, that was converted over to 12V and it worked great. I also know of some one that has a Ford Warkmaster that was converted over to 12V and he put in a 6V resister but he is always burning out spark plugs.
I have a M and I'd like to change it over to 12V but I'm not sure if it's worth it, can some one point me in the right direction.

Thanks,
Coyote

old · Jan 19, 2010

Done right they work just fine done wrong and they can be trouble. You either need a ballast resister in line with the coil or a true 12 volt coil and points etc will not be a problem. Me I use both but the true 12 volt coil is the better way to do thing. I do them all the time and never have any problems with them

MikeinKy · Jan 19, 2010

I converted my H. I had the original generater changed to 12 volts neg. ground, and polarized it, changed the ampmeter wires, put on a 12 volt coil with an internal resister, about 4 years ago and have been completely satisfied. It still looks original.

Farmall M Beginner · Jan 19, 2010

Thank you all for your help,
Coyote

GA Dave · Jan 19, 2010

I changed my IH 240 Utility to 12 volts two or three years ago after reading the link below. I used the coil referenced in the article (no ballast resistor required) and have had no problems at all. If you do elect to go 12 volts there is a smaller alternator that fits under the hood better than the Delco in the article. I think it is a Hitachi #14231 / NAPA 2138130. Wired the same. Good luck. David................

http://www.ytmag.com/articles/artint131.htm

Loren MN · Jan 20, 2010

I changed my M to 12V in 1999, and still have the same battery in it, over 10 yrs. later. I usually never sits more than a few weeks without being driven. I found a 12V generator from an MD diesel that I had rebuilt, and it works great. The MD generator is a perfect swap for the standard 6V generator, and is the easiest way to go. I changed the light switch to from 4 position to 3 position, since you wouldn't need the L & H charge, but that probably can be worked around with the existing switch too.

I'm planning on converting my H this winter. I found a 12V Delco generator at a swap meet that appears identical to the 6V. Not sure how someone had done that, but I had it tested and it works.

I wouldn't put an alternator in an M, since a 12V generator fits better and looks more original.

The starter does not need any changes. Just change the battery cables for negative ground and wire up the voltage regulator.

soybeanjoe · Jan 20, 2010

I had a couple 6v generators converted to 12v & ploarity reversed a couple years ago for an M & a SMTA. Local auto elecric shop did the work. One gen they didn't charge anything for doing it, guy is into antique tractos, the other had to have some work done to it, ended up costing me $35. I can't complain on the price :~)

12V Conversion?

Farmall M Beginner

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old

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MikeinKy

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Farmall M Beginner

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GA Dave

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Loren MN

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soybeanjoe

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