12v vs 6v system NAA

[Fentress39]

I'm in the early stages of restoring my granddads NAA. My plan is to restore it to original condition as much as possible.

The tractor still has the 6 volt system. I haven't taken the generator off to be tested yet. It was working, but has been sitting for about 8 years inside the barn. In my search for parts, I haven't seen any generators for sale on any of the popular tractor sites.

The conversion seems like an easy fix, and practical. For the purest out there, does converting to the 12v system take away from the value of the tractor? I lean toward the purest side, but will be using the tractor in the future.

Thanks for any input you might have.

 

[Steve@Advance]

I don't know about the value, probably not, but they don't carry a lot of cash value since they are not
rare.

If I were a judge at a show, it would make a difference to me!

If I desired to keep it original, it would be a source of pride to keep the generator, and keep it working,
and starting reliably. But if you're not up to making it work, it could quickly turn to an embarrassing no
start at the worst time!

I appreciate originality to a degree. But when it comes to generators, you just can't buy a decent regulator
any more. If you need reliability and simplicity, refit it with an alternator.

You can always put the generator back on later if you desire. Just don't butcher the wiring. Leave the
regulator, connect the alternator to the BAT terminal of the regulator. Tape the field and arm wires up up
of sight.

Alternators come in many styles. If you need a tach drive, that is available. They even make an alternator
that is hidden inside a generator case! Just bring lots of money!

 

[Fentress39]

(reply to post at 12:16:36 03/23/22) [/quot

Thanks Steve. I need talk to my alternator man, get the generator off and take it to him to evaluate.

My dad never had a problem keeping it running before we parked it, but he was an engineer and good with electrical systems.

 

[J Hamilton]

If for some reason your generator can't be
reaired, and if you want to keep the 6 volt
system on your tractor, there are 6 volt
alternators available for positive or
negative ground systems.

 

[tractorguy2]

I have a 641 that is still six volts. it starts right up summer and winter. generator parts are available or rebuilt units. Try dbelectrical.com, dixie
electrical, external_link.

Also there is a guy selling all types of generator parts on ebay.

As far as value. I do not think it helps or hurts as long as it has a good working electrical system.

 

[Steve@Advance]

If it still has the original or a factory regulator, keep it!

It may just need the points filed (not sanded!) and adjusted.

The old regulators had good alloy metals in the contacts, the new ones don't.

The generator may just need cleaning, lubing, and polarizing. The commutator
corrodes, mud dobbers build inside, usually the generator is easy to get
working.

 

[Mark L F/WA]

On the same subject kinda, I have a 58 Case 420 I picked up. It came with a 12v battery and runs when battery is charged but drains completely (0v) if left sitting for more than 1 day. All gauges are not working. There is no voltage while it is running measured at the generator. My research says these machines came with a 6v system but could be converted to a 12v. Is there a way to visually check a generator to see if it is a 12 or 6 volt? Thought I saw a wiring diagram on this site but can't find it now.

 

[old]

Most generators have a tag on them telling a person if there 12 volts. When running have you checked what the voltage is across the battery terminals?? When running f the charging system is working you should get 13 plus volts. As for battery going dead if you let it sit pull one battery cable off and put a light between the battery and the cable. If it comes on you have a drain in the system and something is shorted out or other wise turn on even when the ignition is off

 

[Mark L F/WA]

I'll look for a tag. It did not show any more voltage at the battery terminals while running. Is an old style Alt/Gen check (pull the + cable while running to see if it dies) work on these machines? Does the start relay or voltage regulator have any markings that may indicate 6/12 volt system? The machine came from an irrigation district but did sit for ten+ years. I hate to assume it was converted to a12v system even though it has had a 12v battery installed and seams to run just fine when in use. Thanks

 

[old]

NEVER good to check if the system is charging by pulling a battery cable. Good way to get your self hurt and also let he smoke out of the charging system if it is working

 

[Leroy]

The only responsible reason to go to a 12 volt system is if you no longer can get a 6 volt battery or you are trying to use something like a 12 volt sprayer on it. A good 6 volt system will do the starting at any time.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 16:11:35 03/26/22) The only responsible reason to go to a 12 volt system is if you no longer can get a 6 volt battery or you are trying to use something like a 12 volt sprayer on it. A good 6 volt system will do the starting at any time.

es Sir, when ALL is in good shape, good compression, good cables, good battery, good connections, good ignition, good wires, good everything......but on an old wore out engine with 60-70 psi compression, 12 vs 6 is the difference in start & not! BTDT with my FIL. He didn't use it enough, he said, to spend the $ to re-build or replace. So, he made it "get by".
My Farmall SMTA still starts on 6, in about 1-2 revolutions when battery is good.

 

[Mark L F/WA]

Let me start with thanks for the help. So back from town with new battery and a dead man switch. Did the light test (only) with one terminal disconnected. No light, small victory. After looking at the machine closer, and wiping away some dirt, it's got a 12v coil and voltage reg. Guessing it was converted some time ago. I started the machine 5 different times and ran it about 1.5 hours this evening using the DM switch each time I shut it down.
So now I guess the question is?
New battery reads 12.89v
1st Start up. Between terminals reads 12.42, read same at shut down
2nd Before start up reads 12.88 after read 12.41/12.42 same at shut down
Next 3 start ups 12.87 then 12.62 when running and same at shut down.
I think the shortest time running was around 10 min.
Is 12.62v enough to keep the battery going?

 

[Mark L F/WA]

Just looking for info to keep a case 420 BH/L running reliably so I can abuse it a little but not to much. There's lots of work to be done.

 

[560Dennis]

You got 60 year old tractor it will need maintenance
Stay with the 6 volt , install the right sized 6 volt battery ,you will be fine .
Things to be maintenance.
Battery cables correct size and not corroded wires.
Ignition tune up
Starter possibly of new brushes clean commutation bars ,new bushings and bearings ,

Charging system will need looked at and maintenance also .

As stated 6 volts no problem.

 

[SanDogDewey]

You can also have the generator rewound for 12 volts and get a new voltage regulator. That way you retain the mounting brackets for the generator. I did this on my 47 Willys CJ-2A. It still uses the original 6 volt starter. The headlights and taillights were changed to 12 volt.

 

[Mark L F/WA]

(quoted from post at 08:03:24 04/23/22)
You can also have the generator rewound for 12 volts and get a new voltage regulator. That way you retain the mounting brackets for the generator. I did this on my 47 Willys CJ-2A. It still uses the original 6 volt starter. The headlights and taillights were changed to 12 volt.

Thanks for the tips. Someone long before me has done most of the conversion already. Not sure about lights and gauges yet cause they don't work. Pulling over trees and digging stumps.