6 V Battery- Polarity

Recently checking my 8N after "friend" who knows what do worked on. My mistake - After reading manual to check out why no spark, i noticed the polarity is not correct on the battery. It's connected negative ground on this 6V system. The starter turns over the tractor , but obviously now there are issues. firstly can I return to the original wiring configuration of positive ground without damaging generator / starter. Considering changing to 12V system at this point. I am getting voltage 6.3v on the inlet to the distributor. Advice welcomed. tks

The reversed battery is NOT why it isn't starting.

Probably the most likely cause would be 'dirty" breaker points not making contact.

ONE thing at a time, get it running, then decide if you want to leave it as it is, reverse the battery and repolarize generator to (+) ground, or convert to 12 Volts.

As Bob said, polarity reversal isn't your
problem.

Front or side distributor?

See tip # 13 . Confirm spark and fuel.

See tip # 23 to polarize it.
75 Tips

Thanks for the reply, i'll check the spark again, on front distributor

These N's will run positive or negative ground -starter motors don't care. Having the system wired correctly is essential regardless if 6V/POS GRN or 12V/NEG GRN and incorrect wiring is the major root cause of most non-starting issues, but POS or NEG polarity isn't your problem. You can't start your tractor now. Why do you think switching it to 12V will 'fix' anything? Which manual are you using? The I&T F-04 Manual and the original 8N Operator's Manual are required. Both have the correct OEM 6V Wiring Diagrams. Also, as mentioned, whether a front mount or side mount will help us give you the right direction to pursue. Friends are great to have. How well one knows these old Fords is another issue. It doesn't matter how much mechanical training he has. If he doesn't know, you may as well give a hand grenade to a monkey. Define "inlet to the distributor". Follow Bruce(VA)'s 75 Tips. When was the last time you did a tune-up? Were the points set correctly? You can reverse the battery polarity, but will need to polarize the generator. You do that on the VR. Verify battery is good -get it checked. Verify wiring is correct -use OEM diagrams as shown -no shortcuts. Verify firing order is correct -1,2,4,3 regardless if a front mount or a side mount distributor. Verify that the OEM Ballast Resistor is in the circuit if a front mount. verify ignition switch is correct. Is generator 3-Wire/3-Brush with a belt tensioner? Is the OEM Neutral Safety Starter Push Button Switch correctly wired? Are there lights? Might disconnect them for now to troubleshoot. Often times lights get wired in poorly and cause issues/shorts. Start here and after you get it running, if you still want to go to 12V,tehn that's your choice. I guarantee a correctly tuned distributor, correctly wired system, will get your tractor running.

FORD 8N TRACTOR WIRING DIAGRAMS, FRONT MOUNT SHOWN:

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)

Changing over to 12 V idea was save time doing down road, not a "Quick Fix" . The manual - I & T shop manual for Ford FO-4 . There are no lights, the distributor is front mount. I checked the voltage at the top pole distributor 6.26v . I checked the # 1 plug for spark- there was none. I will need to remove the radiator to look at the gap for the points .015 Ballast is present on system. The points & plugs/ condenser where replaced 2 1/2 years ago. I'd like to check to be sure. the battery tested fine.

tks Bob

(quoted from post at 17:27:51 12/13/18) Changing over to 12 V idea was save time doing down road, not a "Quick Fix" . The manual - I & T shop manual for Ford FO-4 . There are no lights, the distributor is front mount. I checked the voltage at the top pole distributor 6.26v . I checked the # 1 plug for spark- there was none. I will need to remove the radiator to look at the gap for the points .015 Ballast is present on system. The points & plugs/ condenser where replaced 2 1/2 years ago. I'd like to check to be sure. the battery tested fine.

tks Bob

Click to expand...

o, no, no....no remove radiator! pop 3 clamps/latches & 2 bolts and pull distributor out.


























7

Thanks- I was trying to avoid removing in case I would need gasket. I suppose liquid gasket sealer if I needed. I'm in North Eastern Ont. - Can, parts take long time to get here. Thanks for advice.
Bob

(quoted from post at 17:47:19 12/13/18) Thanks- I was trying to avoid removing in case I would need gasket. I suppose liquid gasket sealer if I needed. I'm in North Eastern Ont. - Can, parts take long time to get here. Thanks for advice.
Bob

Click to expand...

epending on goop someone may or may not have used installing it,the old gasket may be fine (always have been for me), but if torn, it is very simple and can be cut from a cereal box.