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Allis Chalmers Discussion Forum
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battery reversal on WD-45?

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Kevin Blake

11-22-2006 14:51:52




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I recently purchased a WD-45 and it has a fairly new battery in it. It starts and runs just fine, but the negative terminal runs to the starter and it looks to me like the positive terminal is connected to a ground wire running from behind the ignition switch box. Isn't this backwards? Isn't the whole tractor electrified? I took the battery out to remove the starter to add oil to a gear box, that's how I found it. Shouldn't the positive terminal of the battery be running to the starter?

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Phill Snartland

11-27-2006 10:53:28




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 Re: battery reversal on WD-45? in reply to Kevin Blake, 11-22-2006 14:51:52  
Hi All,

I have a 1954 WD-45 that I use a 12-volt battery and the original generator on. It is set up as a positive ground. I had a local generator shop reset my cut-out relay to 12 volts. I also use a 12 volt coil instead of a 6 volt and a dropping resistor.

The whole set-up works great - cranks fast, starts right up, charges well. It's the way to go until a person decides to convert to an alternator. I like the original look of the generator, though.

Take care, Phill

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Obsession

11-23-2006 18:08:30




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 Re: battery reversal on WD-45? in reply to Kevin Blake, 11-22-2006 14:51:52  
Someone may have put a 12 volt generator and battery on your tractor. If it charges and starts don't mess with it.

We converted all of ours to a 12 volt negative ground with a low amp Delco internally regulated alternator.

Use a "group 25" 12 volt battery. Walmart sells them for under $50.

We use the original generator pulley, and fabricate the bracket by moving the bracket on the from and drilling new holes.

You remove the original voltage regulator. You use the original 6 volt starter.

I believe you have to switch the amp gage wires around too.

good luck

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Kevin Blake

11-23-2006 14:23:33




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 Re: battery reversal on WD-45? in reply to Kevin Blake, 11-22-2006 14:51:52  
Just an update, fellas, and thanks for the input. I learned a lot. Had a bit of trouble with the starter today because the gear that engages the flywheel is chewed up, but I checked the battery and it's 12-volt. So either someone put in a 12-volt battery into a 6-volt system or it's a 12-volt system that has positive ground. I haven't tested to see if it's a starter or alternator, but it looks original. This is apparently a 1957 WD-45.

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Anthony

11-25-2006 14:14:21




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 Re: battery reversal on WD-45? in reply to Kevin Blake, 11-23-2006 14:23:33  
Question: Can using a 12V battery on 6V starter motor cause the starter gear to chew up after a while as he describes?



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Jon Hagen

11-23-2006 16:24:29




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 Re: battery reversal on WD-45? in reply to Kevin Blake, 11-23-2006 14:23:33  
Being a 57 model,might it be a factory 12V pos ground setup ? The mid 50's was when most companies changed to 12V. I Dont know AC wd 45 models,but I had a 54 model JD 50 that was 12V pos ground. Also had a 54 ? Moline U and a pair of 58 Moline GB's that were all factory 12V pos ground.



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old

11-22-2006 17:36:26




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 Re: battery reversal on WD-45? in reply to Kevin Blake, 11-22-2006 14:51:52  
If it is 6 volts still then its wired the way it should be and as it was when made. Before 1960 or so ALL cars/trucks/tractors where + ground. Then some time in the early 60s they changed to - ground which is what is used now days. So your tractor is hook up the correct way if its still 6 volts

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Kent of SW MO

11-23-2006 08:34:03




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 Re: battery reversal on WD-45? in reply to old, 11-22-2006 17:36:26  
Old,

I have to disagree with you on the statement that everything before 1960 was positive ground. G.M cars and truck from I know 1950 on were negative ground. BUT Mack trucks are still positive ground. Allis used positve ground on 12 volt systems until they switched to alternators in the late 60's. Kent



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old

11-23-2006 09:20:08




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 Re: battery reversal on WD-45? in reply to Kent of SW MO, 11-23-2006 08:34:03  
Thats why I said 1960 or so, I knew some companys switch over earlier then others did. Shoot the Brits used the + ground up till in the 70 or 80s and may still be useing it for all I know. And yes most companys with diesels used 12 volts instead of 6 volt system on there tractors but still used the + ground on them. Its impossible to make a blanket statement and have it fit all things but in this case it covered most of them. LOL

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Maark

11-22-2006 17:09:54




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 Re: battery reversal on WD-45? in reply to Kevin Blake, 11-22-2006 14:51:52  
If it has a gen. it should be positive ground. check the wire from the coil to the dist. it should also be hooked to the positive side of the coil.



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acnky

11-22-2006 17:07:29




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 Re: battery reversal on WD-45? in reply to Kevin Blake, 11-22-2006 14:51:52  
It was born that way.



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George G

11-22-2006 17:03:44




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 Re: battery reversal on WD-45? in reply to Kevin Blake, 11-22-2006 14:51:52  
If its still the 6-volt system. It would be + (positive) ground.



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