12 Volt Conversion on an M

[Jim in Mass]

Started to convert my '41 M to 12 volt with a kit off this web site.

Am very disappointed. The directions are next to worthless...bad translation from the original Chinese. There is nothing about actually mounting the alternator on an M. The bracket goes on the block easily enough, but when you mount the alternator and rotate it up so that its behind the hood, the pully hits the radiator support bracket when its in place.

Anyone else had any experience with this kit? Maybe I'm missing soemthing.


Thanks

Jim

 

[rrlund]

Haven't had any experience with that particular kit,but I know anybody who tries,is nuts for putting an alternator on an old tractor. If you insist on changing to 12 volt,go to a 12 volt generator. All you have to change is the generator,regulator and light bulbs. Everything bolts right up with no change to brackets or wiring.

 

[Bob]

On these tractors, lots of guys use the little Mitsubishi or Hitachi alternators from import cars, which tuck in under the hood in place of the generator much easier than the fullsize US alternators.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I disagree totally. I think it's nuts to insist on a mechanical regulator and generator that cost four time as much as an alternator and is only 1/10 as reliable. I have no use for a generator and even less for a mechanical regulator.

 

[onefarmer]

Only reason I see to convert to a 12V generator is to keep the correct police at bay. A genny will put out ~10/15A at best. While an alt will put out however big of one you put in, 37-150+A. And start output at a slower speed.

 

[gorilla]

I converted my M to 12 volt using instructions from this site but not a kit. I used a delco alternator, put a diode and a resistor on. Its GREAT. The tractor starts easy and reliably every time now. I wasted more money on 6 volt batteries, voltage regulators and having work done on the generator than I want to know. The alternator fit under the hood with no problem. I did have to modify the bracket a little. 5 years no problem whatsoever. I dont care a bit if somebody wants to be "correct" and use the generator and 6 volt system, but I depend on my M and it aint none ya bidness if I want to convert mine to 12.

 

[jason boorman]

i mounted a gm alt on a h and found that i had to make a pully that was long enuf buy welding to together so that the case missed the water pump.

 

[Delbert]

Use your genny pully on the alt. You will have to drill and tap to put a bolt in the end but will work. Then adjust like the old genny.

 

[Anonymous-0]

You can bet your behind that if they had alternators back then they would have used them.

 

[john d]

That 12 volt system and alternator will make your tractor far more dependable, especially if you want to start it in cold weather or hang extra lights on it.

For directions on how to install it, I'd suggest you check the link below. It's a series of step-by-step procedures written by Bob Melville, and it's very accurate and useful.

A search on YT for Bob's wiring diagrams will give you everything needed to re-wire the Farmall letter-series tractors.
Bobs instructions

 

[John S-B]

Most of us that use old tractors for WORK are nuts then, 'cause I ain't got time to mess with getting someone to fix an old generator.

 

[rrlund]

I use my Oliver 77 everyday,literally,7 days a week on the silage cart. It has a 12 volt generator off a 1600. Not some cobble job wobbling alternator hanging on home made brackets.

 

[NawlensGator]

Haha. The 12V vs 6V - Alt vs Gen - points/condenser vs electronic ignition debate will never die. I've converted all mine to 12V, Alternator, and electronic ignition. Even International Harvester started figuring out these were better in the mid '1970's.

Had to fabricate new brackets for the alternators (Delco 10 SI's) to fit however. Be patient, take your time.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Batteries tend to gas and spray acid fumes at a charge rate over 10 amps.Generators worked fine for 60 years.