TO20 12v Conversion

Kvanroy

New User
I'm hoping somebody can help. I'm trying to convert it to 12V but the brackets supplied in the kit will not work. There are two untapped bosses on the block that will not let the alternator fit. Is there a kit to fix this or do I need to fabricate my own bracket? How did you do it? Thanks in advance.
 
Theres a few videos out there about this conversion and the placement of the adapter. Just do a search for Ferguson to20 alternator
conversion and you should have a better idea about the task
 
(quoted from post at 11:42:13 12/29/21) I'm hoping somebody can help. I'm trying to convert it to 12V but the brackets supplied in the kit will not work. There are two untapped bosses on the block that will not let the alternator fit. Is there a kit to fix this or do I need to fabricate my own bracket? How did you do it? Thanks in advance.

You have a Z-129 block with the numeral 9 milled off and a zero stamped in its place. This is known as a late model Z-120. The blank bosses on the block are for mounting the generator on a TO-30.

When I decided to convert to an alternator. I went on YouTube and watched videos which showed all the time and trouble of installing the bracket that came with their conversion kit. As a retired engineer, I set out to design a bracket that would be easier to install.

At the end of November 2021. I listed my new design on EBay, (Listing number:234299949012). It mounts the same way as the generator using original hardware and V-Belt. No engine modification required. Most importantly, it works on both the early and late model engine blocks. Installation takes about 15 minutes.

In my case. I had too much invested in a new battery and lamps so I stayed with the 6 volt system
by converting an old Delco-Remy alternator from 12 volt to 6 volt positive ground.

This post was edited by Dave Kay on 12/30/2021 at 10:50 am.
 
The bracket you are referencing is what is supplied with all the conversion kits on the market. It will only work with the early Z-120 engine block not with the later Z-129 marked as a Z-120. Look at the description of Yesterday's Tractors conversion kit. It specifically states that it will not work with the Z-129 engine. The only alternative available today is the bracket I manufacture.

Wait one minute. I stand corrected. There is another alternative. You can grind off the boss on the block to obtain the clearance needed. However. This would turn the installation into an 8 hour job and possibly crack the block..
mvphoto102747.jpg


mvphoto102748.jpg



This post was edited by Dave Kay on 02/22/2023 at 12:42 pm.
 
I have the same late model block (or replacement block) on my 51 TO20. It was cast as a TO30 and milled as a TO20. The oil filter boss is there but unfinished. The generator bosses are there but untapped. A 0 was stamped over the 9 on the engine mold ID.

My generator was in need of a bearing, so I decided it was time to try a 12volt conversion.

I ordered the usual kit for the TO20 with alternator and wires. The alternator bracket mounted too low to clear the bosses. The mount was welded crooked. The wires were not the correct length. It would probably have worked if you cut the bosses off - or maybe with a much longer belt and some grinding on the frame. It would have stuck way out to the side. No thank you.

I ordered a TO30 kit. I found that if you D&T the bosses, you are in for a real treat. The cast iron does not behave like steel. Drilling the holes in the center of the bosses was not too bad but tapping was difficult to say the least. The CI turned into a powder and packed under the taper. Several taps, new or old, made no difference. You get about 1/2 to 1 turn before you need to back out and clean the threads. Then the holes in the bracket were not spaced to align with the center of the bosses. The bracket holes have to be lengthened to allow horizontal adjustment. The mount itself was warped. All this trouble to discover the TO30 top adjusting bracket will not clear the TO20 governor linkage.

I believe combining the TO20 upper bracket with the TO30 lower bracket may have worked. After 2 days of disassembling and modifying the tractor to make room for tools, I was too frustrated to reorder a part I had returned just to try another maybe.

I looked for other options and found Dave's newly listed bracket. It's the only system I have seen that closely resembles the original generator mounting. There is no ugly top bracket that you have to find a spot on your water pump housing to mount. You do not have to disassemble the tractor.

The alternator mounts on the plate. Remove the generator, install the alternator. About 10 minutes. That's it. A great product. I ordered a second one for my 1950 TO20. Even though it was already converted, I want to get rid of that ugly top bracket and have the alternator set closer to the engine.

Thanks Dave!
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top