12 volt conversion

[jngreen]

My 88 is currently running a six volt electrical system. I would like some info on the conversion. Also, didn"t I see a kit on this site for the 88 Olivers that included the alternator, brackets, resistor for the coil, and some instructions? I can"t seem to find it now, so I must have been seeing things.

 

[John T]

Although most prefer the alternator, its possible and easier to just convert using a 12 volt generator you know (or have a shop convert yours to 12 volt), that saves having to swap polarity,,,,,,,,reversing coil and ammeter leads (if youre at Pos ground now),,,,,,,,,and all the brackets n alternator mounting stuff........

A new or used or rebuilt 12 volt genny should fit right in NO MODS NECESSARY and you need a 12 volt Voltage Regulator of course,,,,,,,,add a series external voltage dropping (12 to 6) Ballast Resistor after the ignition switch ahead of before the coil,,,,,,,a 12 volt battery (DUH),,,,,,,,,polarize the genny,,,,,YOURE OFF TO THE RACES

If you install an alternator at negative ground and youre now at Pos ground??? Swap ammeter leads,,,,,,,,,swap ignition coil leads,,,,,,add the ballast,,,,,,,,,go racing. If you need my canned generic alternator wiring instructions, post back

John T

 

[jngreen]

Correct, my tractor is currently 6 volt positive ground. I don't think there are any decent alternator/ generator rebuild shops in my area (central Indiana) so converting to an one wire alternator and switching polarity is probably the cheapest/easiest route. I believe I can get a reman alternator from my local carquest for under 50 bucks. Eventually, I will probably go to a Pertronix style electronic ignition with a 12 volt coil anyways.


I would appreciate a look at your wiring diagrams. Thanks for your help.

Josh

 

[Anonymous-0]

The last thing I would suggest is a single wire alternator!

 

[John T]

Yo Josh, Im just south of you in Bloomington, we have an old fashioned mom n pop genny/starter repair shop just south of me in Bedford called Jenkins repair. I bet Everetts out west from Indy in Monrovia could help ya

Heres how I wire a GM 10SI Alternator and remember, it requires NEGATIVE GROUND !!!!!!!

The big rear main alternator output terminal goes to and splices into the wire that used to be connected to the BAT terminal on the Voltage Regulator or Cutout Relay, but basically, the alternator output wires to the Load (NOT battery/starter) side of the ammeter which takes place if you use the wire that used to connect to to the BAT terminal on the Voltage Regulator.. HOWEVER if that wire wasnt already upgraded, when I convert from a Genny to an Alternator, I replace that wire with a 10 Gauge and it runs from the alternators main output up to the LOAD (NOT to battery/starter) side of the ammeter. I also replace/use 10 Gauge from the ammeters other SUPPLY terminal to the battery/starter.

The alternators (if a GM 10 SI) little side number 2 Voltage Sense Terminal gets connected (use a short 14 jumper wire) right up to and with the big main output terminal mentioned above.

For the GM 10 SI's little 1 side Excitation Terminal, run a 16 or so gauge wire from the ignition switches IGN (which is hot ONLY when ignition is turned on) output terminal ORRRRRR the coils high input (NOT to distributor) terminal, and in series with it place a 10 ohm to 47 ohm 5 watt current limiting protection resistor . Then in the rare event (likely dont even need a diode if the resistor which I prefer is used) the tractor continues to run cuz of alternator backfeed when the ignition is switched OFF, I add in series a 5 amp 50 PIV minimum Diode. The diode must be wired with negative cathode end to the alternator and positive anode end to the switch. Again, the ratings are not that exact but about any diode over a few amps and 50 volts or so works.

Dont forget to change the battery to negative ground and the coil needs to be wired so the negative goes to ground via the distributor points and the positive gets power from the ignition switch and you have to reverse ammeter leads also if you’re just now changing polarities cuz if its wrong it reads bass ackwards.

Good luck Ol John T in Indiana

 

[jngreen]

Well, what do you know, I am actually north east of Indy about halfway between Noblesville and Elwood along S.R. 37. Bedford would be almost exactly 100 miles from my house, maybe a little more, so prolly not gonna drive down there a couple of times for a genny rebuild. Thanks for your help on the wiring instructions, some of it seems to be in a foreign language, but I think I can interpret/decipher it if I take my time. I guess I'm just gonna have to do some research to decide which route I wanna go with. Probably will end up going with the alternator/ negative ground route, because that is what I am more comfortable with (since I have some automotive repair experience). Fabbing a bracket and finding the right size belt won't be that tough, but changing the wiring around and making sure it is correct will take me some time. I'm no wiring genius like you.

 

[jngreen]

(quoted from post at 21:55:41 06/29/09) The last thing I would suggest is a single wire alternator!

please explain.....