New (to me) 1951 Cub

[txcublover]

With any luck, I will be bringing home a 1951 Cub tomorrow. I have worked on tractors some in the past, but never owned my own. I figure I have a lot to learn. I reviewed the thread about what to do with a Cub that you are bringing home for the first time, and with some reading I suspect I can do those things. One concern I have is that it appears the Cub I am purchasing has a 12 volt battery on it and a "rebuilt" starter. I didn't see an alternator attached, so I am concerned the previous owners may have damaged the electrical system. If I want to switch back to a 6-volt system, what do I need to check/test?

[ntrenn]

Having lived the 6v nightmare, i would recommend staying with 12v. Things that change/are different...
Starter sometimes
Generator but you cant tell 6v from 12v from the outside.
Voltage regulator
Bulbs
The favorite 12v charging setup uses a 1 wire alternator with an internal regulator. I am running both tractors with generators...one of them for well over 20 years...

[txcublover]

The lights are in a box beside the tractor, so changing light bulbs isn't that big of a deal. I thought I'd always seen the 12V cub/A models with an alternator hanging outside the hood. If I can get a stock looking 12V generator and it won't damage the points or the coil at all, then I could be fine with that.

[Crimson Tim]

The lights are in a box beside the tractor, so changing light bulbs isn't that big of a deal. I thought I'd always seen the 12V cub/A models with an alternator hanging outside the hood.

Yes, there are plenty of bad conversions out there where someone butchered the hood to install a too-big alternator. This is a shame, because there are several options that fit just fine with no carnage. The later Cubs came with alternators from the factory, after all. There’s a Hitachi and a Delco 10si that seem to be favorites. A quick search of the site will bring up several others. The standard location for the alternator is up under the hood on the right side just behind (and driven by) the fan. Take a look, you might already have one up there.

[txcublover]

Take a look, you might already have one up there.

As best I can tell, this guy bought it to fix it up, ran it periodically, then decided to sell it before he did any real work on it (other than replacing the starter). He tried to tell me it had a 6V battery in it, but it was clearly 12V. All I know about it is the serial number, it has exceptionally good rubber, it runs smoothly, and the carb leaks when the tractor is off. It also died as soon as he pulled off one of the battery cables, so I suspect whatever generator it has is non-functional.

[radioguy41]

Hmmm, I've never met a 6v nightmare. I've met electrical nightmares but nothing specifically related to the specified voltage of the battery. Properly maintained with the correct cables and good grounds 6v will function as well as a 12v system for anything these Cubs can do. The only caveat I would agree to would be to replace the relay with a voltage regulator if the Cub were so equipped. The one problem I've seen with 6v systems is people using 12v cables. 12v cables are simply too thin for a 6v system and will quickly make it appear that 6v is inadequate. It isn't.

[ShawnAgne]

I converted my 51 from 6V to 12V. Glad I did. Also switched it over to electronic ignition. If you talk to David (Boss Hog) or Art (built my motor). The 6V system was fine with the mag. When they put battery ignition on it you are getting 4.5V to the starter there is a difference. THat is why if you do electronic ignition 6V isn't a good idea. The 6V system will work nicely so long as everything is in good condition. But good points and regulators are hard to find. Also your battery needs to keep properly charged. Doing the conversion like I did, don't have to worry about that stuff as I want something that is functioning in any weather and not having to constantly tinker with it. I left the regulator on my tractor so from the outside it looks original. The Delcom Remy 10Si is up under the hood and you can't see it unless you look for it. Same goes for the 300 which got the same conversion the other week.

[staninlowerAL]

This subject is much like what is the best oil for a Cub. It's been discussed pretty well over the past few weeks and as expected there are those on both sides of the argument who believe that one or the other is the best. You won't really know what you have until you get it home and do a full assessment. One thing that is pretty certain is you don't have a magneto since you said the engine died as soon as the battery cable was disconnected. You can tell a lot about the electrical components by reading the tags (if they are still attached). Post some pictures when you get it home and get the hood/tank off and you will get plenty of help to assess what you have. Good Luck.

[Glen]

Hi,
Below is the 1955 Cub owner's manual. The experts on here recommend reading it, it has much info about operation, maintenance, and lubrication. It has the same original electrical system as a 1951 Cub had. There is a table of contents on page 1.

http://farmallcub.com/rudi_cub/www.clea ... index.html

A Farmall A has the generator on the left side, as I remember. The Cub generator is up under the hood, on the right.
Below is a page from the owner's manual showing the electrical system with the hood off.

http://farmallcub.com/rudi_cub/www.clea ... e%2050.jpg

Below is a pic of the Delco alternator on a 1976 Cub, that is the original alternator mounting. IH started putting them on in mid 1975.

[inairam]

I . When they put battery ignition on it you are getting 4.5V to the starter there is a difference.

Please explain. I have 6 volt mag and 6 volt battery ignition. Both have 6 volts at starter and they do not need constant attention. The biggest mistake on 6 volts systems are the wrong size cables and poor ground.

[ShawnAgne]

Just going by what Art Chester has told me over the phone and David (aka Boss Hogg). Maybe he/they will chime in.

[txcublover]

I'm not interested in partaking in the farmall cub version of a religious war. I'll post again with pictures of what I have when I have it, and hopefully ask some more specific questions about how to proceed. Thanks for all the comments.

[Glen]

Hi,
Good luck with the Cub.

[lliberto]

Good deal, I can't wait to see your new toy. Good luck!

[txcublover]

Here are four pictures of the farmall cub I picked up tonight. Runs great, but no screws holding on the hood (thus the bungee strap) and it has a 12V battery in it as discussed above. One thing I don't know is what the heck is on the back of this thing...