6 to 8 volt electric start pony problem.

Rule of thumb I've used is one more volt to charge per 6v, so a 6v battery charges nicely at 7v, a 12 at 14, 24 at 28. I've observed my car's voltmeter sitting on 14v and Dad's planes/choppers on 28v. Can you measure the voltage when it's charging the 6v and see what you're getting, prior to any adjustments.
I don't know if you can adjust your voltage up to 9-10 on that generator so the 8v battery will charge but other folks on here have plenty of knowledge on the subject and will be able to let you know.

It was common to install an 8 volt battery in Oldsmobile and Cadillac's from 49 to 53 to help turn over the newer big engines. There didn't seem to be any problems doing this.

Hey Team,

I run 8 volt batteries in all my 6 volt setups. I never adjust any settings. Don't know why it is showing a discharge when on 8 volt? Try switching wires on gauge.
Glen

I think you are probably correct that you need to adjust the regulator.

It sounds as if the cutout relay is closing as the rpms rise and immediately setting up a drain on the battery with the parasitic internal load of the generator field. You might get good performance by simply raising the cutout voltage to at least 9 volts so that the engine rpms must rise higher before the relay closes.

I have seen internal voltage over twice rated voltage on a 24 volt generator, so I think the voltage capability is likely there, just need to adjust the regulator.

Thanks guys for the advice. Glen, That's what my Brother said to do also. Thing is, I can't figure out why that would make a difference. The electrical system is set up as a - ground one. The gauge I have is a nice old AC Delco part# 857841 that has the nice thin Arrowhead pointer on it. I purchased it NOS many years ago and I have never had a problem with it. Next month when I'm back up there, I'll switch the wires and see if that does the trick. What's the worse that can happen? I guess I can only fry up the wires, gen, gauge and regulator. I've got spares if that's the case.:jaw:. Thanks again for all your help.
J. Giraud
40 Cat D2/3J#4103
41' Dodge WC-12 Military 4x4 Pick-up

[quote="Dozerman51"]Thanks guys for the advice. Glen, That's what my Brother said to do also. Thing is, I can't figure out why that would make a difference. The electrical system is set up as a - ground one. The gauge I have is a nice old AC Delco part# 857841 that has the nice thin Arrowhead pointer on it. I purchased it NOS many years ago and I have never had a problem with it. Next month when I'm back up there, I'll switch the wires and see if that does the trick. What's the worse that can happen? I guess I can only fry up the wires, gen, gauge and regulator. I've got spares if that's the case.:jaw:. Thanks again for all your help.
J. Giraud
40 Cat D2/3J#4103
41' Dodge WC-12 Military 4x4 Pick-up[/quote]

Dont switch the wires! The ammeter will read what you think is correct but the results will be the same, amps are running from the bat to the gen.

[quote="Dozerman51"]Thanks guys for the advice. Glen, That's what my Brother said to do also. Thing is, I can't figure out why that would make a difference. The electrical system is set up as a - ground one. The gauge I have is a nice old AC Delco part# 857841 that has the nice thin Arrowhead pointer on it. I purchased it NOS many years ago and I have never had a problem with it. Next month when I'm back up there, I'll switch the wires and see if that does the trick. What's the worse that can happen? I guess I can only fry up the wires, gen, gauge and regulator. I've got spares if that's the case.:jaw:. Thanks again for all your help.
J. Giraud
40 Cat D2/3J#4103
41' Dodge WC-12 Military 4x4 Pick-up[/quote]

Dont switch the wires! The ammeter will read what you think is correct but the results will be the same, amps are running from the bat to the gen.

Thanks again for more advice. Will have to research this problem further.:confused2: