12 Volt Source?

After reading some threads it seems like converting it may be as easy as getting a new regulator for the generator and just run the pony starter with 12 volt? Is that right?

Better check the generator output first. A lot of older tractors had to run all day just to charge the battery enough to start them next day. Alternators are way better but need plenty of rpm for good output. Most old lights have faded reflectors and woeful light output like about 2 candles.
Can't remember exactly but noticeable grime on a light will cut output by a large percentage.
cheers WF

reidrhollander, To convert a 6 volt generator to 12 volts, if it is a delco remy you just need to change the fields for 12v ones and the regulator to 12v. The only down side is your current will drop by half so a 19 amps gen at 6v will deliver 12v at 9 amps.
Just one other thing is to readjust the regulator cutout down to 10 amps.

I have not yet converted a American Bosch 6v 40a yet.

Regards

Better check the generator output first. A lot of older tractors had to run all day just to charge the battery enough to start them next day. Alternators are way better but need plenty of rpm for good output. Most old lights have faded reflectors and woeful light output like about 2 candles.
Can't remember exactly but noticeable grime on a light will cut output by a large percentage.
cheers WF

[quote="wimmera farmer"]Better check the generator output first. A lot of older tractors had to run all day just to charge the battery enough to start them next day. Alternators are way better but need plenty of rpm for good output. Most old lights have faded reflectors and woeful light output like about 2 candles.
Can't remember exactly but noticeable grime on a light will cut output by a large percentage.
cheers WF[/quote]

It's common on older farm tractors to convert to a 12V alternator system. The normal way to deal with alternator RPM is to change the size of the pulley to overdrive the alternator due to low operating engine RPM's.

I'm thinking about putting a 12 volt alternator on my D4 7U. Haven't decided if it's worth the effort. Can't see the need for lights for my uses. If not I guess I need to fix whatever is wrong with the charging system on it. It wasn't hooked up when I bought it.

Rick

You can start your pony many times on a charge.
If you don't want to dedicate a battery just use jumper cables. Not worth the trouble to maintain charging system ifyou don't need lights IMO.

I know nothing,nothing at all,but cannot see a 6 volt system making enough power(amps ?) to run lights that would be satisfactory this day and age.

I have been starting my 9u D6's with 12 volts to the old 6 volt pony starters for 20+ years and have not fried one yet.Maybe next time I start one but not yet.

There are 2 common ways to make 12 volts on old Cats. Take the "guts" out of a 6 volt generator ,shorten the outside metal case so old shaft comes out the back so you can press fit a pulley on the shaft,and fab brackets to mount a 12 volt alternator. The other way is buy the adapter that bolts up where the generator mounts and is made to drive a alternator that is driven with a love-joy coupling. Checkout the threads on direct starting conventions and should find more information on both ways of driving alternators there.

I have one of both ways sitting in the yard now but have not had the direct drive set up running as it came on a 6 that needs work.The belt drive has worked with several of the Delco alternators with built in regulators over the years,as the one on the D6 was easy to borrow for other things.

In the case of a 3t D7 that runs at a slower engine speed, the belt drive method would work better as you could us pulley size to speed up the alternator to get more out put.

Nether method is going to appeal if you are a purest and want things original,so there is some where in the world some 12 volt generators and regulators that would fit like originals did. I have seen ONE of the 12 volt generators in 60 years and the shaft was broken where the gear would of been.This was in a used parts yard and it was the example of the red lettering on the tag which means 12 volt on the Cat stuff anyway. So good luck in how ever you decide to go on this project.

I wanted to pass along that I found a guy in Rolla, MO that is doing generator to alternator conversions. Looks to me like he is using the generator housing and fabbing it into a mount. I think I am going to go this route, after talking with him he said it would be about $350 all in. Does anyone see a problem doing this? Other than obviously the battery is there anything else I need to swap out once I go to an alternator? I assume the regulator can be removed since it won't serve a purpose anymore?

http://catstarter.yolasite.com/

Won't need the regulator and will need to change all 6 volt lamps to 12 volt.