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6 volt and 12 volt

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Brutalfly
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6 volt and 12 volt

Postby Brutalfly » Thu Mar 13, 2014 2:01 pm

I was wondering if converting a cub to a 12 volt was a bad idea?
I was talking with somebody and they said that it would be bad on the tractor to do it.
So I figured I would bring my question here and ask to see.
Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby artc » Thu Mar 13, 2014 2:23 pm

this is one of those topics likely to have strong opinions on both sides.

converting it will not 'harm' your tractor in any way except that it won't be 'correct' any longer, if that is a concern.

it's a personal choice, and mine has been to convert them IF they give me trouble. converting them lets the starter spin faster and provides more voltage to the points while cranking, and thus makes for faster starts, particularly in cold weather. a one wire alternator is a good choice, or one of those small Hitatchi units. when I change them over, I also swap out the ammeter for a voltmeter.
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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby SONNY » Thu Mar 13, 2014 3:02 pm

I agree with Artc!---I have both , 6-v and 12-v----I have LOTS less problems with the 12-v,---also more electrical friendly---12-v sprayers, lights are better, easier to find, etc!---PERSONAL PREF.! thanks; sonny

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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby Eugene » Thu Mar 13, 2014 3:09 pm

If the 6 volt system is still working - use it. If not functioning and can be economically repaired, do so.

If the 6 volt system is not functioning, it's generally cheaper to convert to the 12 volt alternator than to repair the generator and purchase a quality regulator.

I also have converted my Cub to12 volts. 1) Because it was the last 6 volt machine on the place. I have quite a number of different sized 12 volt batteries in machines and on the work bench. When a battery goes down I can swap out another battery and go to work. 2) I can use the 12 volt system on the Cub to jump start my other 12 volt tractors/machines. Much easier with the Cub than one of the larger tractors. 3) I can use the economical to operate Cub, now 12 volt system, to power the 12 volt herbicide sprayer.

Conversion to 12 volt will not harm the tractor. Decision is yours. I just provided my thoughts on the subject.

There are a number of topics on this site on what is needed to complete the conversion and "how tos"
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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby Hengy » Thu Mar 13, 2014 3:24 pm

I used to be a "purist" on my 1949 tractor and restored it with 6v. Ever since I did that, I have been having intermittent charging on it despite a rebuilt generator and a new cutout relay. I'm tired of messing with it and my tractor is a mishmash of parts from different years anyhow (no show queen), so I am going to convert it to 12V. My 1955 cub is not charging, so it will become a 12 v tractor while I am putting it back together.

Completely personal preference, but I just don't want to worry about the charging system anymore!!
Mike (Happy as a Lark in Allison Park, PA)
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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby Tezell » Thu Mar 13, 2014 3:53 pm

I agree with the others.

I have 1 6 volt left, and I will be changing it to 12 volt when the battery gives out.

Just my 2 cents worth.
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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby pickerandsinger » Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:00 pm

Change to 12 volts…Cheaper and more efficient…..IMHO
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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby John *.?-!.* cub owner » Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:24 pm

Whether it is a good or bad idea depends on what you want from it, and what the current condition is. Once the job is done, the only thing you have to be careful of is spinning the starter too long if you run into a starting problem. On 12 volts you will probably have brighter lights (depending on how you do the conversion), and the tractor will crank faster, so if it is a little out of tune or the carb. needs some work it will start easier rather than having to keep it isn as good a shape. The big question is do you want to spend the money for an alternator and bracket, plus battery, plus light bulbs, plus ballast resister (or new coil), or just leave it as is.
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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby ricky racer » Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:46 pm

I'm in the 6 volt camp. My '53 Cub and '52 John Deere B are both 6 volt and work perfectly. I like the 6 volt systems but they require everything to have good connections. Sometimes the old battery cables are deteriorated and I usually replace them with welding cable if that is the case. Since the only ground on the starter is it's connection to the engine block, sometimes removing the starter and sanding the mating surfaces will improve the grounding abilities. Even this winter with the subzero temps, she cranked over like a champ and never missed a beat.
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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby DieselDennis » Fri Mar 14, 2014 9:08 pm

Either system works fine when it's working.

The wiring on my '48 was a spaghetti map of bare wires, electrical tape, and wires to nowhere. I went 12V because it's easier to find parts. Batteries are easier to find. Rebuilt 10SI alternator was easy to find. Coil from same easy to find place. Fabbed my own bracket. Three new light bulbs. Got an IH knockoff voltmeter off of eBay and away we went. I later bought a pigtail to make the single wire alternator into a three wire hookup to get it to charge.

I went 12V also to have a modern system. Jump offs are no problem. I can run 12V accessories. It's a good complement to the electronic ignition on the tractor.

There's nothing wrong with a good working 6V system. But I've never heard of a functional reason for taking a 12V tractor back to 6V.
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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby Gary Orr » Fri Mar 14, 2014 10:23 pm

I'm in the same camp as Ricky. I like my 6v systems. All of mine are 6v & work great! :D

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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby ScottyD'sdad » Sat Mar 15, 2014 8:00 am

It is considerably cheaper to convert, if the generator is bad. Redid a 6 v system, for my Niece's father in law. Genny rebuild, $120, regulator, $40. Add wiring harness, and ammeter. (His was defective), and you're talking $200. for parts, only. 12 volt batteries are cheaper, and easier to find, with a longer warranty. Most of mine are still 6 v, but, if I repair the charging system, it will be changed to 12 v.
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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby artc » Sat Mar 15, 2014 3:10 pm

there seems to be less 6V holdouts than before....hmmmmm.

on one of my restored tractors, I left the regulator complete with the wire so that it 'looks' like the generator is still in there. a quick glance will look stock, but if you look up under the hood, then you will see the alternator painted red. best of both worlds, IMHO
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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby birddog » Sat Mar 15, 2014 4:49 pm

Hang the cost and all the other garbage, if it came 6 volts it should stay 6 volts.
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Re: 6 volt and 12 volt

Postby DieselDennis » Sat Mar 15, 2014 8:39 pm

That's not necessarily so birddog. The early Cubs came with 10W oil and "touch control fluid" too. But I think in the 60s everyone pretty much switched over to Hy-Tran.

I too am surprised at the lack of 6V echoes on this thread. I have nothing against a 6V system, besides the FACT that the components are harder to come by and more expensive to replace.
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