I just converted from an anemic 8v system
to the 12v alternator. I am very happy with the conversion;
the following were my observations: 6v is bad because:
- You must keep it "Clean and Bright",
and few grimy tractors are that in winter
during a blizzard.
- 6v batteries, operating below 0F, cranking a tractor with a crankcase full of wax, via an aged starter, through an oxidized wiring system equals nearly 0v at the battery during the slow crank, leaving almost no voltage to operate the ignition system, and thus, very little spark for the cold vaporless fuel in the combustion chamber. AKA - hard starting.
- Some hassles jumping from 12v cars if you arn't a little bit careful. 8v is bad because:
- Must corrupt regulator to charge properly.
- Difficult to charge with household charger (they have 6 or 12 volt charging), and old tractors often sit idle and need periodic charging. (Insterstate Batteries said they charge 3 8v batteries in series at 24v.) 12v is better because:
- Alternators are much more durable (no commutator
bars to wear out, stationary stator produces output current that doesn't go through brushes,
and electronic regulator w/no points to burn out).
- 12v requires less copper in the wires and can
operate with "dirty and dull" connections.
- Any household charger can charge 12v, and any
contemporary car can jump start it w/o worry.
- Any contemoporary alternator will product far
more wattage than the original generators, which
may be of use to run other equipment.
Only two 12v problems I am aware of are:
1) most alternators are open-cage affairs, and many old tractors are leaky, greasy things that may foul-up the insides of an alternator. (Many generators are closed housing affairs.)
2) Alternators are not original equipment, making them less asthetically appealing. (My solution was to keep all the old hw in case I want them someday.)
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