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Allis Chalmers Discussion Forum
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Negative/Positive ground

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Jeff 38

08-01-2003 21:21:44




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I've read most the Q&A's regarding converting the original positive ground on the older AC's. (Positive gnd. does just seem to 'feel' wrong in this country I think) - but is there any real advantage to the conversion as far as tractor operation goes? It would seem easier to convert any implement that needs elect. than the tractor.




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gatz

08-08-2003 12:31:15




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 Re: Negative/Positive ground in reply to Jeff 38, 08-01-2003 21:21:44  
Not sure what would be on an implement that would need changing(?)
If they were wired for lights, it doesnt matter what polarity the tractor is. The only thing that comes to mind would be something that has an electronic device on/in it. And more than likely those types would have a reversal switch.



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Bryan Smith

08-04-2003 11:28:14




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 Re: Negative/Positive ground in reply to Jeff 38, 08-01-2003 21:21:44  
Our local alternator repair guy said the systems were originally set up as positive ground to help lessen the chance of fire caused by the electrical system. Not sure how or why this would work (or if it was simply "common sense" back then that has since been disproved), but I do know he's one sharp cookie and has been around a while.

Like everyone else says, no difference in operation. I have tractors that are still 6 volt or 12 volt positive ground as well as a few that are 6 volt or 12 volt negative ground. I can't tell any difference in the operation day-to-day or battery life. The 12 volts start better, but that's another discussion ....

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Doug in OR

08-02-2003 08:46:01




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 Re: Negative/Positive ground in reply to Jeff 38, 08-01-2003 21:21:44  
Changing the tractor to negative ground is about as easy a thing as you can do, compared to changing an implement. Simply reverse the battery, repolarize the generator, swap your coil leads, and reverse the connections on the ammeter. As said here earlier, there's no reason to change polarity, unless you are installing an alternator or electronic ignition device.



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Tyler(WA)

08-01-2003 22:50:52




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 Re: Negative/Positive ground in reply to Jeff 38, 08-01-2003 21:21:44  
Jeff,

It makes no difference to the function of the ignition system and the starter will turn the same direction regardless of polarity.

The standard of Neg. ground was established when alternators hit the market. Alternators are negative ground and won't work with positive ground. Alternators are more efficient and less expensive to build so car manufacturers all converted and the standard was set.

Unless you are planning to convert to an alternator, I wouldn't change what you have.

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DanD.

08-01-2003 22:13:03




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 Re: Negative/Positive ground in reply to Jeff 38, 08-01-2003 21:21:44  
You have to remember that the flow of electrons in a directect current circuit is from negative to positive, so it really makes more sense to have positive ground. Having said that, it really makes no difference how well an electrical circuit works if it's designed to be positive or negative ground. Also, please remember that most old tractors are positive ground systems...it's not something that's peculiar to Allis-Chalmers tractors. For example, all the two cylinder John Deere's that I've seen (including the 50 and 630 that my dad owns) are positive ground systems ( including both 6 and 12 volt systems). I'm sure other old tractors are the same. They all pretty much came with either Delco or Autolite electrical equipment on them.

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