Using 12v to power 6v cub

[Farmer Brandon]

sooooo I've been under the impression that 6v batteries did not exist and my voltage regulator on my 1950 cub reduced my 12v NAPA battery to proper operating voltage. This is what I assumed.. I'm learning...
So if I continue to operate my cub in this state what will happen?

[Farmer Brandon]

I suppose the lack of enthusiasm to my post suggest I should shell out the $136.00 for a brand spankin new 6v battery. Thanks for the silent treatment guys, I'll be on my way to Napa as soon as I'm done babysitting.

[Barnyard]

You posted this early this morning. Perhaps you might give it time for somebody with the answer to reply. I am no expert on this, but if you are running a 12 volt battery and everything else is 6 volt you risk burning up the coil and maybe the regulator as well. But like I said, I am no expert. Give somebody who knows time to answer.

[thiggy]

$136 is rather steep for a battery. Mind died recently and I priced the 6 volt replacement. They are available to me at either tractor supply or NAPA for just over $90. However, I don't know if I will replace the battery since I never run the lights and my '49 Cub starts easily with the crank.

[Dale Finch]

If you really want to keep your 12v battery (assuming it is not now dead), it may be cheaper to convert to a 12v system with an alternator. You can get remanufactured ones at NAPA for less than a 6v battery.

But if your battery is shot, you should be able to get a new 6v for less than $136.

P.S. It is a weekday, and some of our more knowledgeable folks actually work! Of course, I am neither knowledgeable nor do I work anymore!!! Show some patience there!

[Eugene]

Checked the specifications for regulators in the Cub Service Manual. Highest voltage for a listed 6 volt regulator listed is 7.2 volts. Highest generator output is listed at 8 volts. 6 volt system will not charge up a 12 volt battery.

A recent topic on this board was the correct size of a 6 volt battery for a Cub. Search function, top of page.

[Flyboy]

I picked up a 6 volt battery at OReilly auto parts for $89 plus core charge and taxes. Ordered it online and picked it up at the store the next morning.

[staninlowerAL]

A bit more information would help understand what your objective is. I noticed your profile lists a 1950 Cub, is this the tractor you are talking about? What type electrical system does it have? Magneto with original type coil or a external coil conversion? Or does it have a battery and distributor ignition? From your post, it looks like you have a 6v generator with either a regulator or cutout. How much of what you have is functional? Do you want to keep it original or are you open to upgrade as Dale suggested? If you will give some more information someone will make a recommendation. Just my 2 cents worth. Stan

[Farmer Brandon]

Thanks to all who replied. My cub is a 1950 6v magneto ignition, it has touch control as well...I'm completely new at this and I'm teaching myself so mistakes will be made. I was embarrassed and I Didn't mean to seem impatient yesterday but I actually needed to work the cub and I was scared I would burn her up or something. I farm hard and I expect the same out of my equipment. I have a 6v battery on charge right now to correct my mistake.

[tmays]

How do you know it's a 6V cub? I realize it most likely is since it has a mag, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it is 6V. It is possible to have 12V system with a mag

[staninlowerAL]

Thanks to all who replied. My cub is a 1950 6v magneto ignition, it has touch control as well...I'm completely new at this and I'm teaching myself so mistakes will be made. I was embarrassed and I Didn't mean to seem impatient yesterday but I actually needed to work the cub and I was scared I would burn her up or something. I farm hard and I expect the same out of my equipment. I have a 6v battery on charge right now to correct my mistake.

Further clear the magneto you refer to, does it have an external coil/battery conversion or is it working with an original internal coil? If you have no external coil, then the magneto supplies the power to run the tractor's engine independently and the battery simply provides power to operate the starter and any other electrical components like lights, etc. The generator/cutout or regulator only recharges the battery as needed. So that being said, if your system is original and functioning satisfactory to you I would not convert to 12v at this time but simply replace the battery if needed. On the other hand, if the electrical system is not functioning as needed/wanted, you can do a 12v battery/coil/alternator upgrade conversion for less than the cost of a generator/regulator repair or replacement plus the cost of the magneto coil. You will have the convenience and dependability of the upgrade and 12v not to mention faster starting which somewhat compensates for a worn engine/low compression, etc. I suggest search the "HOW TO" on this subject and download the GSS manuals 1012 and 1310 at the top of the page that explains the function/operation of the magneto and battery ignition systems. Hope this helps. Stan

[danovercash]

Priced a 6V battery at the local family owned parts house, just over $72 plus tax and core. Thought the battery was done, later found the ground cable off to stop battery drain. Still charged, 5 and a half years old.