Converting from a 6 volt to a 12 volt on a 730 diesel

T.WILLIAMS

New User
What are the steps and items needed to convert a 6volt system to a 12volt system on a JD 730 diesel with a pony motor? Thanks
 
(quoted from post at 13:06:39 07/31/14) What are the steps and items needed to convert a 6volt system to a 12volt system on a JD 730 diesel with a pony motor? Thanks

Lets backup a step. What is going to to make a 12V conversion a consideration?
 
Those little pony motors spin plenty plenty fast on 6 volts and if alls even half way well they have no problem starting the pony even at extreme cold temps. However I understand the lights (and battery availability) can be improved if you convert to 12 volts and its your tractor your money and your choice so I will mind my own preferences (I wouldn't convert a pony start diesel 6 to 12) and only try to answer your question.

One thing to consider is to add the right amount of external series voltage dropping (12 down to 6 or so) ballast resistance (or even some sort of a solid state voltage clamp, 12 in 6 volt out device ) between the ignition switch and input to that Wico distributor so you don't overheat the coils and the points dont burn up prematurely. Also if theres the small ballast on the switch (drops 6 volts down to 4.5 or so as I recall, NO Warranty) you would probably discontinue its use. For no longer them some dudes allow those ponys to run, the coils (especially if the newer replacement type) may not overheat too much nor the points burn up all that fast, but that's NOT the engineering best way to treat it in my engineers opinion.

Then you have to either have your generator professionally changed over from 6 to 12 volts (or just get another good 12 volt genny) and you need a 12 volt Voltage Regulator. Unless you go the alternator route.

In the event you change from the original Positive to Negative Ground (like if you used an alternator) the fuel gauge may need attention (also not enough sending unit resistance and you may need to reduce its input down to 6 volts). If you have a working ammeter its leads would need swapped.


The indicator lamp on the dash (IF your tractor has one????) likely needs changed from 6 to 12 volts.

Lights need changed to 12 volt lamps.

A 12 volt battery well duhhhhhhhhhhh

In this rare instance I would NOT use very big battery cables since the 12 volts may be tough on the starter drive. Instead I might try 4 or even 6 gauge in hopes to drop some voltage across them.

The starter solenoid will likely work okay at 12 volts, but if it becomes a problem (too much current and heat) that needs to be addressed

Im sure I missed some but Im in a hurry SO NO WARRANTY this may be right or wrong, take or leave it at your own peril and risk

John T
 
True Richard, but that's only what I would do. I figure he asked the question in good faith so I in turn gave a good faith answer and perhaps in pointing out all the issues he may just decide it aint worth it lol. My theory being that relatively small pony (unlike perhaps a big hard to start gas model) will still start even at extreme cold temps at 6 volts, so there's no pressing reason to convert it to 12 in the first place.

Oh well, good to hear from ya, stop by and visit

John T
 
Come on guys !!!!

In this day and age he at least has to have a way to charge his cell phone !!!! LOL.
 

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