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Gavin M
12-19-2003 09:50:23
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Re: 6 Volt - 12 Volt in reply to JC, 12-19-2003 00:17:03
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You are quite right in that your tractor (assuming it is a gas model) would have used a 6V, positive ground setup. As it sounds like you have a working tractor, as opposed to a restoration, there is no reason to revert to 6V operation. For a charging system, there are a few options. First, as you mentioned, you could have your generator rewired to 12V. This may be the cheapest alternative, depending on the shop quote. A second alternative might be to use a diesel generator/regulator setup. The factory used 2 6V batteries in series on the diesel versions of the 44, also positive ground. If you happen across this setup, it will work. The diesel versions also used a starter solenoid (similar to a Ford car/truck) as opposed to the gas, distillate & LP models, which ran the starter current through the switch. The last option would be to use an alternator. The consensus seems to be that this is the best arrangement, usually with a GM 10SI alternator with internal regulator. It is best to wire the exciter in, so it will charge the battery at low RPM without revving the motor first, to "start" the alternator. Wiring diagrams are available on this website (look under articles). However, they will generally work even as a "one-wire" setup, if you don't mind revving up the engine. I have two 44's, a '49 RC with a 12V conversion, and a '54 Special, all original. My '49 actually uses a Motorcraft (Ford) alternator from a '90 Thunderbird, but only because I had a new one sitting around. If I didn't, I'd of used the GM -it's much cheaper. The bottom line is that the '49 will start here (Northwest Alberta; it gets COLD) in the winter, whereas the Secial will not, without considerably more coaxing. If you go the alternator route, you'll need a pulley that can accomodate the large D-size belt. If you can't find one locally, I can locate one for you that will fit either a GM or late Ford alternator. I haven't seen any problems with either the starter drive or flywheel running the starter on 12V. I think most folks run the starter to failure, then rewire to 12V. Usually failure never comes, unless the starter is abused (cranking for minutes at a time, etc).
Another issue is that it is difficult to boost a 6V tractor. I have done this but it is very hard on a 12V battery/charging system and I would never consider doing it from a computerized vehicle.
Incidentally, Massey Harris switched to 12V on the 444 (sucessor to the 44 Special) in 1956. I also wonder if your tractor is either a '52 or a Special, as Special production began in '53 with serial no. 50000. '52s have serial numbers 17059 to 43700. If you post your SN I or many others can decode it for you. Good luck.
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