Brian in MI
Member
Is it possible to convert equipment from Positive ground to negitive ground. I would like to install an aftermarket tach and fuel gauge and these are both negitive ground.
thanks,
Brian
thanks,
Brian
- Thread starter Brian in MI
- Start date
caterpillar guy
Well-known Member
Yes it is If you have a generator and don't want to change it you will have to repolarize it and I think you can do the same to the regulator . I thought there was a post on here recently about that. The starter will work either way. I can't say on the gauges in the tractor before the conversion.
Brian in MI
Member
It has a generator and sepreate volt regulator. 12 volt system, distributer with points, and electric gauges Amp, Oil, and temp. Thats all I can think of, if more info is needed let me know, by reply of e-mail.
thanks again
thanks again
Janicholson
Well-known Member
The tractor will operate either way.
switch all wires from the posts on the amp meter to the other post. Then the amp gauge will read correctly (Discharge with lights on not running).
2} The coil will be changed to neg to dist.
3} the gen will be repolarized.
If it is charging, and the needle swings right from the middle, it is OK. JimN
switch all wires from the posts on the amp meter to the other post. Then the amp gauge will read correctly (Discharge with lights on not running).
2} The coil will be changed to neg to dist.
3} the gen will be repolarized.
If it is charging, and the needle swings right from the middle, it is OK. JimN
buickanddeere
Well-known Member
The coil will require the - to be connected to the points or spark energy will be reduced.
It maybe already that way already as most people install a coil - to points on both + and - chassis equipment.
It maybe already that way already as most people install a coil - to points on both + and - chassis equipment.
Brian in MI
Member
Will the generator repolarize itself?
Brian, if the gauge is a bi metal heat type polarity doesnt make a difference, if its a magnetic galvonometer type it could be a problem, Id try it n see.
If its a Generator, after you swap the battery ground, BE SURE TO POLARIZE THE GENERATOR BEFOREEEEEEEEE YOU START IT cuz otherwise you could damage the Voltage Regulator.
The rest is pretty much the same as posted below:
Some VR's will work at EITHER polarity while others may be problematic or not last quite as long if used at opposite polarity .
If its NOT a Mag ignition but a coil distributor type, the coil is polarity sensitive i.e. if at Neg ground its lil + gets switched ignition voltage while its other lil - wires to the distributor but for Pos ground its lil - gets switched voltage while its + wires to distributor.
If it has an ammeter its leads need swapped as Jim pointed out otherwise it will read bass ackwards
John T
If its a Generator, after you swap the battery ground, BE SURE TO POLARIZE THE GENERATOR BEFOREEEEEEEEE YOU START IT cuz otherwise you could damage the Voltage Regulator.
The rest is pretty much the same as posted below:
Some VR's will work at EITHER polarity while others may be problematic or not last quite as long if used at opposite polarity .
If its NOT a Mag ignition but a coil distributor type, the coil is polarity sensitive i.e. if at Neg ground its lil + gets switched ignition voltage while its other lil - wires to the distributor but for Pos ground its lil - gets switched voltage while its + wires to distributor.
If it has an ammeter its leads need swapped as Jim pointed out otherwise it will read bass ackwards
John T
ScottyHOMeY
Well-known Member
It won't repolarize itself. You need to do it after you've switched the poles on your battery around to neg ground and before you start the motor.
Simple, takes just a jumper wire. If you haven't got such a thing, any piece of insulated wire (so it doesn't tough anything else while yuo're at it) and strip 1/4" insulation off each end. Basically all you want is a brief touch, which should make just a small spark when you first make the connection, between the BAT and the GEN terminals on your regulator or relay. All done!
You'll still need to take care of swapping the other wires (coil, ammeter . . .) around,but repolarization is just that simple.
Simple, takes just a jumper wire. If you haven't got such a thing, any piece of insulated wire (so it doesn't tough anything else while yuo're at it) and strip 1/4" insulation off each end. Basically all you want is a brief touch, which should make just a small spark when you first make the connection, between the BAT and the GEN terminals on your regulator or relay. All done!
You'll still need to take care of swapping the other wires (coil, ammeter . . .) around,but repolarization is just that simple.
As you mentioned the biggest issue is the voltage regulator. They are marked as to whether they are positive or negative ground. For my six volt system with a postive ground, I had to be careful to get a voltage regulator with a positive ground. It should not be an issue with a 12 volt system as regulators with a negative ground are common.
Brian in MI
Member
Thanks for the clarification. Sounds like it is not going to take much at all.
Fer sure, some are distinctly labeled for POS or NEG while others stand mute lol. If theres any suppression diodes those are for sure polarity sensitive. Another factor is the coating on the relay contacts which can affect their life if used backwards as I understand it.....
John T
John T
Actually, the mech regulators will work with EITHER ground polarity, although POSSIBLY not for as LONG if the system polarity is not what the regulator is designed for.
It has to do with the choice of metals for the relay contacts, putting the better more $$$ metal on the contact that is more prone to erosion when used at a certain polarity.
I'd almost bet, with a regulator bought today, from the "land of almost right" they cut corners in that respect, as well.
It has to do with the choice of metals for the relay contacts, putting the better more $$$ metal on the contact that is more prone to erosion when used at a certain polarity.
I'd almost bet, with a regulator bought today, from the "land of almost right" they cut corners in that respect, as well.
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