TO20 help new to these tractors

Bpo91 · Sep 14, 2020

I just recently inherited a 1950 TO20 and I want to know how to make sure it's still on the 6v system and not changed to the 12v I believe it has the generator on it and not a alternator but saw previously they had a 12v style one that looked the same is there any way I can know for sure?

Steve@Advance · Sep 14, 2020

If the tag is still on the generator, a black tag is 6v, a red tag is 12v.

Another clue is the ignition coil. If it is still 6v positive ground, there will be no resistor ahead of the coil, and the + terminal will be connected to the distributor.

It is very rare that if it were converted to 12v it would still have a generator. Not saying it can't happen, just not likely.

Bpo91 · Sep 14, 2020

Thanks for the info I just got it home yesterday and I know the wiring has to be redone looks like a rat's nest right now and I doubt the tag is still on it but I will take a look and see if it does

Steve@Advance · Sep 14, 2020

Good news on the wiring, those are very simple to wire. Need to decide if it will stay 6v or 12v alternator before wiring it.

Six volt will work, but everything has to be right. It is more expensive to keep it 6v as the components are more expensive. The draw back to anything with a generator is finding a quality regulator. They are all aftermarket and poor quality out of the box.

Something you may want to take a look at before trying to start it, check the engine oil, and gear case oil for water.

Those are notorious for collecting water, especially if it has been outdoors.

Crack the plugs loose, see if water drips. You can drain the water off the bottom now before it is started. But once run, if there is water in it, it will emulsify and be very difficult to get out.

Do you have a shop manual? It will more than pay for itself in mistakes not made!

I would not drain the oils yet, get it running first. That way you don't loose the new oil or have to try to save it.

Keep us informed... Our goal is to keep them out of the scrap yard! Ask all the questions you want!

Bpo91 · Sep 15, 2020

I checked the dip stick yesterday and of course it's full of water that's why I planned on just draining it but if there is another way to do it that's better please let me know

Bpo91 · Sep 15, 2020

And I also just ordered a manual waiti g on it to get to the house now

Steve@Advance · Sep 15, 2020

If you just drain the water off the bottom, that will be good enough to get it running so you can get a better evaluation. (Unless there is nothing but water in it! BTDT!) You really don't have to fill it, just enough to cover the pump so you can check it out will be sufficient.

Once running, you can drive it around, start a list of everything you find needing attention.

The gear cases hold 18 quarts of oil! That's too much to change it, only to find it has to come right back out because it has to come apart. Then you are stuck with disposing of new oil, or trying to save it and keep it clean.

Bpo91 · Sep 15, 2020

Well it definitely looks like a chocolate milk shake right now so hopefully wont be to bad the trans/pro rearend dont look bad but the motor oil looks nasty

Jim L WA · Sep 15, 2020

If the battery has 3 cells it's a 6 volt, if it has 6 cells it's a 12 volt.

Tom H. · Sep 15, 2020

Here is a link to a company that has really good wiring harnesses. I use them for all of my rebuilds
Untitled URL Link

Bpo91 · Sep 15, 2020

it didnt have one when I got it

Bpo91 · Sep 15, 2020

Thanks I'll have to check them out

Bruce(OR) · Sep 27, 2020

You pick that up in Indiana from Kevin?

TO20 help new to these tractors

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