How to tell 6V from 12V system

[calebpalmer86]

I’m in the infantile stages of getting my inherited 1950 Cub back in the dirt. In reading about the projects that I need to tackle with my new tractor, I’ve learned that there are two voltage systems. I’m assuming that my 1950 came with 6V being standard. The problem is that I’m not sure if my Grandfather ever converted it over to a 12V system or not. There isn’t a battery on the tractor to look at. What is another “easy” way that a novice (at best) can tell what he’s working with. I don’t want to try a standard 12V battery and do any damage. Thanks in advance!

[Slim140]

Does it have a generator or alternator? If it has a generator there should be an oval tag that says 6V or 12V. Alternators can be 6V or 12V as well but 6V are not as common. Look at the wire going to the coil and see if there is a ceramic block in the wire, that’s a voltage reducer if the 6V coil was left on it. Coils are usually marked 6V or 12V as well.

Post some pictures and we’ll try and help you sort it out.

Remember, if it’s 6V it has a positive ground

[Stanton]

As Shane suggested, attach some pics and we'll be able to help.

Here are a couple references describing attaching photos to a post:
How to Upload Pictures to a Post
Forum Picture Posting And Other Interesting Things You Can Do

[tst]

if it is a 1950 the metal id tag on the generator from the factory would be painted black, if the voltage regulator is mounted on top of the generator it is 6 volt for sure and it is POSITIVE ground, what is the serial # ?

[calebpalmer86]

I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t know how to tell if it has a generator or alternator. This is my first attempt at any “real” mechanical work other than general car maintenance. I have some pictures of the tractor. What would you need to see exactly? The serial number has been painted over, so I don’t have it. I was finally able to lock down the year using some other numbers and specifics about the tractor. It looks like he changed the coil out at some point. Not sure if that makes a difference..
Thanks a lot

[Peter Person]

From TM Tractor, the descriptions for the leads to the starters;
6V lead to the starter is 2 gauge about 1/4" diameter, however I think my original is closer to 00 gauge - 3/8" diameter.
12V lead is 4 gauge, about 3/16" diameter, which sounds about right.

[Lt.Mike]

This is a Cub 6v generator
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2852669345

This is a typical 12 volt alternator conversion
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2073448312

Which do you have?
A pictures worth a thousand words.
Can’t be sure by the cable size as one Cub I have was converted to 12v by the PO and he used the same cables from the 6v battery.
Also if it is 12v, you can get a decent battery cheap at Walmart (under $50). The group number is 26R.

[calebpalmer86]

[calebpalmer86]

Does this help?

[Slim140]

Does this help?

YES! Your coil says 12V on it.

There's also a threaded rod where I bet is a 12V alternator.

[Don McCombs]

Take another photo, a little higher and a little to the right.

[calebpalmer86]

[calebpalmer86]

What is the gray piece in the lower left of the first picture?

[Donegal Cub]

Does this help?

YES! Your coil says 12V on it.

There's also a threaded rod where I bet is a 12V alternator.

That's sharp eyesight Shane

[Eugene]

That gray piece just below the coil is a ballast resister. It's used to drop 12 volts down to around 6 volts. And used with a 6 volt coil when the tractor has been converted to 12 volts.