generator

jsfarmall · May 27, 2015

I currently don't have a charging system on my h, when the battery goes dead so does the tractor. I have the old 6 volt generator can i t be rebuilt to 12 volt? I know an alternator is always best. Just kinda tight on cash and trying to find a cost difference. If really close I'll just get a conversion kit.

Phil Tibbetts · May 27, 2015

Probably will cost more to get a generator rebuilt than to buy an alternator.

John T · May 27, 2015

YES a genny shop can convert your 6 volt genny to a 12 volt, they will likely change out the field windings, but I bet it isn't cheap. Of course, you will also need a 12 volt voltage regulator or cutout relay to match the genny. If its a cutout relay and light switch Low/High charge control instead of a full fledged Voltage Regulator, its resistor may need changed. If I converted to a 12 volt genny, I would upgrade and convert to a 12 volt Voltage Regulator instead of using a cutout relay and manual light switch low/high charge system.

NOTE I have used a 6 volt genny to charge a 12 volt battery simply by changing over to a 12 volt voltage regulator. The fields may pull more current then designed for. Im NOT saying its engineering correct or perfect or charged at high amps, Im ONLY saying it can "work"

NOTE I bet its cheaper to convert to a Delco 10SI 3 Wire Alternator (have to change to neg ground remember) versus a rebuilt genny and new Voltage Regulator, but that's your choice.

John T

DeltaRed · May 27, 2015

Way cheaper to convert to one wire alternator.Go to NAPA and get the Delco one wire. Then make a bracket in your shop. Then strip out the old dilapidated harness and rebuild/replace with a new 'custom built' harness. Not hard.You dont need to buy a 'kit'.

rvirgil_KS · May 27, 2015

At NAPA check on a Hitachi alternator from a 1978 to 1982 Datsun. They are smaller than a Delco but wire up the same. Assuming you have a distributor ignition, a NAPA IC14SB direct 12 volt coil eliminates the need for an added resistor.

If you rebuild the generator for 12 volts, don't forget to add the cost of a 12 volt regulator.

Andy Martin · May 27, 2015

If money is really tight you can use the six volt as it is and just run it through a toggle switch to charge the battery the first few minutes of tractor operation. Lots of folks run without a generator, just charge the battery after each use. If you install the generator and remember to switch it on and then back off you have a workable system. However, with a good battery, if you charge it after each use the tractor should run all day. You might need to check and see whether you have an excessive current draw somewhere.

David G · May 27, 2015

The Hitachi fits nice under the hood and will work reliably, probably cheaper than starting with unknown generator and regulator.

Mark in Upstate · May 27, 2015

Reputable generator rebuild will be $100.+-.
Been there.

Pete_5959 · May 27, 2015

I converted my H over to 12 volt positive ground a few months ago. Took my genny into the shop to have fields changed. They bench tested first. Genny put out 16.6 volts no issue. I purchased an american made 12 volt regulator adjusted the spring tension to set the charge output at 14.2V and installed a 26R 12V battery and all is well. Total cost was less than $135.00 to include replacing the three light lamps. I had a new 12 volt coil on the shelf and also installed it to alleviate the 12 volt resistor. Yeah 6V systems do work fine but the 12 gives you better lighting, no more dealing with crappy 6V batteries, and if need be I can use it to jump other equipment. And the ol' H starts up sooooo easy.....

jsfarmall · May 29, 2015

I have already changed the ignition to 12 volt coil and all. Just mainly need a charging system.

generator

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