6 or 12 volt generator

34gpa · Sep 2, 2008

I have a 6v gen. that is identical in looks to the 12v on the tractor. What is the difference other than the regulator and can it be changed to a 12v cheaper than buying a rebuilt one? Thanks in advance

Bob · Sep 2, 2008

Many 6-Volt generators WILL put out "12 Volts" at high RPM's with the swap to a 12-Volt regulator. (It takes around 14 Volts to fully charge a "12-Volt battery".)

However, there will be no charge at lower speeds, and the generator will probably run HOT at high speeds.

It takes a new set of field coils and a new armature to make a REAL 12-Volt generator out of a 6-Volt unit.

rrlund · Sep 2, 2008

Are you positive that it looks identical? On a 6v,the diameter will be the same the full length of the generator. A 12v will have a smaller diameter at the rear around the brushes.

Anonymous-0 · Sep 2, 2008

I worked on a 55 chevy that had just blown up a new battery.The car had a charge lite so I hooked up a 60 amp meter to the generator,Started the engine and had the meter pinned at idle.Looked at the generator and did not see 12 volt marked on it.Checked the gen # and found it was a 6 volt unit.Put a 12V generator on the engine and the charge rate dropped to normal.This is what the chevy taught me.Quite different from your results.

Bob · Sep 2, 2008

So, you are saying a 6 Volt generator will cahrge MORE than a 12 Volt generator????

Regardless of that, what was going on with the voltage/current regulator????

Anonymous-0 · Sep 2, 2008

I exspect the regulator applied 12 volts to the generators field coils.I didnt run it long enough to make a voltage measurment.If you apply 12 volts to an alternator field and remove the battery load you can run a 120 volt skill saw.I measured 110 volts DC when the saw was running.

Bob · Sep 2, 2008

Delco would be "A" circuit, so the regulator (unless mis-wired) COULDN'T apply 12 Volts to the generator (or could it)???

teddy52food · Sep 2, 2008

Someone may have grounded the field on that 6v gen to make it charge a 12 v battery but then there was no control on it by the regulator.

34gpa · Sep 2, 2008

The back is smaller just like the 12v on the tractor. Can I assume it was 12v?

Anonymous-0 · Sep 2, 2008

Only one way to find out, set it up and watch out for flying battery parts.

ken in texas · Sep 2, 2008

Stick with a true 12 volt generator. Could save a lot of expensive noise and smoke.(my opinion and experience)

Anonymous-0 · Sep 2, 2008

If its a 12v Delco Remy it will have a red background on the tag. You didnt say which or wherefore it is ya just cant say untill there some more info.
This is what Delco did on tractor use.

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Sep 2, 2008

Every Delco generator has the ground side of the field circuit controlled by either a regulator or a switch with a resistor. The only way you could get flying battery parts is by creating a spark close to the battery in the presence of hydrogen gas, an impact or other action causing the plates to touch inside the battery. That said, I've had a 6V 3 brush generator that is supposed to be used with a resistor switch running 12V with a regulator. All I did was move the 3rd brush to reduce the maximum current output of the generator. Is it "correct"? No. Does it work? Yes. Some generator regulators have a current limiter in them, many do not.

rrlund · Sep 3, 2008

Yes,it's a 12v.

6 or 12 volt generator

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